The Associated Press

CHICAGO - Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz homered on consecutive pitches to start the eighth inning Sunday night and the streaking Boston Red Sox beat the Chicago White Sox 6-5 for their sixth straight win.

Boston, with 12 wins in its last 15 games, moved within 5 1/2 games of the New York Yankees in the AL East, the first time the Red Sox have been that close since June 28. They also have a one-game lead in the AL wild-card race.

The Red Sox swept the White Sox for the first time since taking three straight Sept. 26-28, 2000, in Chicago.

Angels 4, Yankees 3

NEW YORK - Bengie Molina went 4-for-4 with a three-run homer, Kelvim Escobar outpitched Kevin Brown, and Anaheim completed a three-game sweep. Gary Sheffield homered and had two RBI for the Yankees, who scored only four runs the entire series. New York lost for the sixth time in seven games and has been outscored 37-11 in the defeats.

Molina tied his career high for hits in his second start since returning from a broken finger, leading the Angels to their fifth consecutive win and 13th in 17 games. They earned their first sweep of New York since May 11-13, 1999, also at Yankee Stadium, and finished 5-1 on a road trip.

Devil Rays 2, Athletics 1

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Dewon Brazelton pitched seven strong innings, and Jose Cruz Jr. hit a tiebreaking homer in the sixth to lift Tampa Bay. Brazelton (6-4) gave up one run and five hits to improve to 6-1 at home this season.Mariners 5, Tigers 3

DETROIT - Willie Bloomquist hit his first homer in more than 13 months - a go-ahead three-run shot in the fifth inning - to lead Seattle. Gil Meche (4-5) allowed three runs and nine hits in 6 2/3 innings, helping Seattle avoid a three-game sweep.

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 5

BALTIMORE - Eric Hinske and Vernon Wells homered, and Toronto completed a three-game sweep of Baltimore. Miguel Tejada went 4-for-5 with a homer, three doubles and five RBI for the Orioles.

Royals 10, Rangers 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Calvin Pickering drove in six runs with a grand slam and a two-run home run in his first major-league appearance in almost three years to help Kansas City snap Texas' eight-game winning streak.

Twins 7, Indians 3

MINNEAPOLIS - Justin Morneau drove in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning, and Minnesota completed a three-game sweep. Corey Koskie homered and Torii Hunter had three hits for Minnesota.