MLB: Boston 8, Texas 3

BOSTON, April 21 (UPI) -- David Ortiz drove in three runs Monday, leading the Boston Red Sox to an 8-3 victory over the Texas Rangers.

Dustin Pedroia drove in two runs for the Red Sox, who have won five in a row and nine of their last 10 games. Julio Lugo was 4-for-4 with a walk, an RBI and two runs.

Clay Buchholz (1-1) allowed five hits while pitching six shutout innings. The 23-year- old right-hander struck out six and walked two.

Josh Hamilton had two RBI and Gerald Laird one for the Rangers, who have lost nine of their last 11 games.

Losing pitcher Dustin Nippert (1-2) gave up eight runs on nine hits in 2 1/3 relief innings. Starter Kason Gabbard allowed three walks and struck out one in two hitless innings before leaving with stiffness in his back.