Ortiz Provides the Drama Again

David Ortiz gave the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles a taste of what Boston’s other rivals got during last year’s run to a World Series title.

The Red Sox designated hitter hit a three-run homer on a full count with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning Thursday, giving Boston a 6-4 victory. It was the fifth game-ending homer of his career -- including two in the 2004 playoffs.

“He’s getting comfortable with being in that situation,” Boston Manager Terry Francona said. “Like a basketball player who takes the shot at the buzzer, he relishes that. And he’s taken a lot of good swings.”

The Orioles took the lead in the top of the ninth without hitting a ball out of the infield against Keith Foulke (3-3), scoring the tiebreaking run when Rafael Palmeiro beat out a potential double-play ball. But Mark Bellhorn reached on an infield single to third with one out in the bottom half and, with two out, Edgar Renteria bunted for a single.

Ortiz worked the count to 3-and-1, swung and missed once, fouled another off and then hit the seventh pitch he saw from B.J. Ryan (0-1) into the center-field bleachers.

Kansas City 5, New York 2 -- The lowly Royals completed a stunning sweep of the Yankees at Kansas City, Mo., behind consecutive home runs from Matt Stairs and Terrence Long.

Kansas City, which has the worst record and second-lowest payroll in the major leagues, finished its first three-game sweep of the Yankees at home in 15 years.

With Buddy Bell improving to 3-0 as their manager, the Royals earned their first sweep of anybody in 78 series. It was the longest drought in the majors since the Phillies went 79 series without a sweep in 1996 and 1997.

Minnesota 4, Cleveland 3 -- Johan Santana tied a career high with 14 strikeouts and Jacque Jones’ single in the 13th inning gave the Twins the win at Minneapolis.

However, Twin first baseman Justin Morneau, second baseman Nick Punto and catcher Joe Mauer were injured during the game.

Morneau injured his left elbow while swinging the bat. X-rays taken after the game were negative and Morneau is day-to-day.

Punto is headed to the disabled list after pulling his right hamstring while trying to steal second base.

Mauer aggravated a groin strain that kept him out last month. He was removed from the lineup in the 12th inning.

Oakland 5, Toronto 3 -- Eric Chavez hit a grand slam at Oakland and the Athletics won their season-best fourth straight game.

Chavez, who began the day with the fourth-lowest batting average among American League regulars (.218), connected in the fifth on the first pitch from Josh Towers.

It was Chavez’s fifth grand slam and first since May 11, 2002, also against Toronto. The four RBIs matched his season high, and he also had a seventh-inning double. The Blue Jays hadn’t given up a grand slam since Aug. 28.

Kirk Saarloos (2-4) ended a 10-start winless stretch for his first victory since beating Baltimore in Oakland’s second game of the season. Since then, he’d had four losses and six no-decisions.

Detroit 6, Texas 5 -- Craig Monroe singled home Ivan Rodriguez with the winning run in the 10th inning at Detroit.

The Rangers took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the ninth, but Detroit rallied against All-Star closer Francisco Cordero on a sacrifice fly by pinch-hitter Carlos Guillen and a two-out RBI single by Omar Infante. It was Cordero’s third blown save in 19 chances.