The Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas—David Ortiz hit his first home run in 20 games, Paul Byrd pitched 6 2-3 scoreless innings to win his fourth straight decision and the Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 7-2 Sunday to move within 1 1/2 games of the AL East lead.

The Red Sox (84-58) are the closest they’ve been to division-leading Tampa Bay since July 28. Six of their next nine games are against the Rays, starting Monday night at Fenway Park.

Byrd (11-11) is 4-1 in five starts since the Red Sox acquired him from Cleveland on Aug. 12. The right-hander ha...

Log-In to view full story or view our Registration Guide.