MLB: Boston 3, Baltimore 1

BOSTON, July 24 (UPI) -- Jonathan Papelbon struck out Luke Scott and Melvin Mora with the bases loaded in the ninth Friday, preserving a 3-1 win for the Boston Red Sox over Baltimore.

The Red Sox hung on for a victory that snapped a five-game losing streak and kept them 2 ½ games behind the division-leading New York Yankees in the American League East.

With its offense in a slump, Boston needed a well-pitched game and it got one from Brad Penny (7-4). He allowed only an unearned run on five hits in 6 1/3 innings.

The Red Sox overcame a 1-0 deficit in the fourth, with Jason Varitek's single driving in the tying run and a sacrifice fly by Jed Lowrie producing the go-ahead tally.

Boston added a run in the fifth on a fielder's choice grounder by J.D. Drew that brought home Kevin Youkilis.

Papelbon came on in the ninth in search of his 25th save. He gave up singles to Adam Jones and Nick Markakis to start the inning and then, after getting Aubrey Huff on an infield popup, walked Nolan Reimold to load the bases.

Papelbon delivered in the clutch, however, getting Scott to swing at three straight offerings and striking out Mora swinging on a 3-2 pitch.

Brad Bergesen (6-5) took the loss, giving up three runs on nine hits in six innings.