Ortiz's 3-Run Homer Leads Red Sox to 10-0 Win

David Ortiz hit a three-run homer to highlight a nine-run second, and the Boston Red Sox used their second big inning in three games against the Texas Rangers to help Daisuke Matsuzaka win 10-0 last night for a three-game sweep.

Matsuzaka allowed six hits in seven innings for the Red Sox, who scored 37 runs in the series and won their fourth straight to remain three games behind AL East-leading Tampa Bay. The Rays beat Oakland 7-6 in 12 innings.

Boston topped its nine-run inning with a 10-run frame in the first inning Tuesday. The Red Sox had to hold on for a 19-17 victory. Ortiz had a pair of three-run homers in that inning and has driven in 20 runs against the Rangers in seven games this season.

The Red Sox led 8-0 after five innings on Wednesday night.

The high scoring is nothing new for the Rangers' staff, which entered the game with a major league-worst 5.41 ERA. It was their seventh loss in eight games, and they've allowed 62 runs in the last six.

Matsuzaka (14-2) walked five and struck out five. Manny Delcarmen and Mike Timlin each worked a perfect inning to complete the shutout.

Texas starter Tommy Hunter (0-2), making his third career start, was charged with all nine runs in 1 2-3 innings Thursday.

Matsuzaka loaded the bases on two walks and a single in the second, but fanned Ramon Vazquez to end the threat.

The Red Sox loaded the bases in the bottom of the inning on a singles by Kevin Youkilis and Jed Lowrie and a walk to Jason Varitek. Coco Crisp's RBI single pushed Boston ahead 1-0.

Alex Cora was hit by a pitch and J.D. Drew's fielder's choice grounder made it 3-0. Dustin Pedroia followed with an RBI double before Ortiz homered into the first row of the right-field seats, making it 7-0. Jason Bay's RBI single and Lowrie's run-scoring double completed the outburst.