Red Sox’s Schilling Closes the Door

Boston Red Sox closer Curt Schilling is starting to look like the pitcher who anchored the staff in a different role last year.

The 38-year-old starter-turned-reliever earned the 14th save of his career -- his first since 1992 -- pitching a scoreless ninth inning for the second consecutive night to secure the Red Sox’s 5-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Boston.

“The more he pitches, we’re going to get closer and closer to seeing Schill, and that’s what we want,” Manager Terry Francona said. “Teams are going to have to beat him, and I don’t think that will happen a lot.”

Manny Ramirez hit his 25th homer, and Bronson Arroyo gave up five hits in seven innings to help the Red Sox end a three-game losing streak that dropped them out of first place in the American League East.

The Red Sox moved back into first place by half a game over New York.

In his fourth relief appearance since going on the disabled list because of a bruised ankle in April, Schilling struck out Jonny Gomes before getting Fernando Cortez and Toby Hall on flyouts.

“I enjoy it, and it’s a rush,” Schilling said of closing.

Texas 2, New York 1 -- The Rangers’ Hank Blalock hit a two-run homer against Wayne Franklin (0-1) in the eighth inning at Arlington, Texas.

The Yankees lost for only the third time in 14 games and dropped half a game behind Boston in the AL East.

Minnesota 4, Baltimore 3 -- Jacque Jones’ infield single drove in the winning run in the ninth inning at Minneapolis.

The Orioles’ Rafael Palmeiro had two hits, raising his total to 3,009 and moving past Al Kaline into sole possession of 24th place all-time.

Detroit 7, Chicago 1 -- Omar Infante hit a three-run homer against Jose Contreras (5-6) to back Jeremy Bonderman (12-6) at Chicago, and the Tigers ended the White Sox’s five-game winning streak.

Kansas City 4, Cleveland 0 -- Zack Greinke (3-11) pitched seven shutout innings at Cleveland for his second victory since the All-Star break, and Emil Brown hit a two-run homer against Indian starter Kevin Millwood (3-9).

Toronto 12, Seattle 10 -- Eric Hinske hit two two-run homers for the host Blue Jays, and Ted Lilly (8-9) won for the fifth time in his last seven starts despite giving up five runs and seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.