Papi, Holt help Red Sox snap out of offensive funk

BALTIMORE -- Even though Brock Holt hit a decisive three-run homer in the eighth inning to give Boston a 7-5 victory over the Orioles on Friday, the utility man credited David Ortiz with helping the Red Sox's offense break out of its recent doldrums.

Ortiz crushed a three-run home run off Miguel Gonzalez in the fifth that gave Boston a 3-2 lead. Prior to that, the Red Sox had scored just one run over the past 16 innings and were 1-for-24 with runners in scoring position.

"I felt like the past couple of games, we were getting guys on but couldn't get them in," Holt said. "Big Papi did what he does. He got three runs for us right off the bat and fired everyone up. I think that was kind of the turning point."

Video: BOS@BAL: Big Papi, Hanley hit back-to-back homers

After Ortiz went deep, Hanley Ramirez followed with a shot to left for a 4-2 lead. It was the first back-to-back home runs this season for Boston. The Red Sox would eventually send the American League East champion Orioles to their fifth straight loss.

Boston pounded out 11 hits against five Baltimore pitchers.

"We're trying to win every game." Holt said. "To come up here and get the first win of the series is good. Every time we play those guys, it's going to be a good game."

Manager John Farrell also credited Holt for shining defensively, especially late in the game. But his big impact came at the plate, as Holt launched his first home run of the season and boosted his average to .424 in 33 at-bats this season.

"He's a damn good baseball player," Farrell said.