Limping home to Boston

After starting out this 10-game road trip on a high note by taking three of four in Motown, the Red Sox have lost four of its last five in Minnesota and Baltimore.

In the first game in Baltimore last night, the Orioles (20-19) won 5-4 as Boston (24-18) once again jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first but couldn't hold it.

Ace Josh Beckett (4-3) took the loss as he gave up 11 hits and five runs in 5.2 innings of work. Beckett walked two and struck out five.

Orioles pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (who always seems to pitch well against the Sox) earned the win (2-3) after going six innings, giving up three runs (two earned) with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Manager Terry Francona missed last night and he'll miss today's game after his mother-in-law passed away. Bench coach Brad Mills took over managerial duties.

J.D. Drew hurt his wrist trying to make a diving catch in the third and left the game while Coco Crisp later left in the sixth with an upset stomach.

Manny Ramirez (2 hits) had an RBI single in the first then Boston scored twice on Baltimore errors.

Jay Payton had an RBI single in the second then Baltimore put up four as Kevin Millar had an RBI single and Luke Scott (3 hits, 3 RBIs, 2 runs) hit a three-run homer.

In the seventh, the Red Sox blew a golden opportunity as Manny came up with the bases loaded against Jim Johnson and nobody out. After a 10-pitch at-bat, Manny grounded to Johnson, who started the 1-2-3 double play. Mike Lowell flew out in the next at-bat.

Alex Cora cut the Orioles lead to one in the eighth with an RBI single but it wasn't to be for Boston.

Baltimore closer George Sherrill recorded five outs (including two strikeouts) for his 14th save. He got a gift in the ninth when Ortiz was called out on a questionable swing (it looked like he held up). Big Papi was kicked out as he tossed his bat in frustration.

Overshadowed in the loss, relievers Manny Delcarmen (1.1 innings) and David Aardsma (2 strikeouts in 1 inning) didn't allow a run.

The teams wrap up this bizarre two-game series with an afternoon game today. The Red Sox will try to break even (5-5) on this trip. After that Boston comes home to Fenway and begins interleague play against the Brewers.