MLB: Boston 8, Texas 4

ARLINGTON, Texas, Aug. 15 (UPI) -- Victor Martinez's two-out double in a six-run ninth inning put Boston in front Friday, and the Red Sox defeated Texas 8-4.

The Rangers appeared ready to assume the lead in the American League wild-card race in the opener of a crucial series, but Boston overwhelmed closer Frank Francisco (2-2) to pull out a dramatic victory.

Texas took a 4-2 lead into the ninth, thanks in part to a two-run, first-inning homer by Michael Young, but David Ortiz opened the final frame with a double.

Jason Varitek followed with an infield single, and Jacoby Ellsbury singled in Ortiz. Francisco retired Chris Woodward on strikes, then Dustin Pedroia doubled to left-center. Clay Buchholz, who was running for Varitek, was thrown out at home on what would have been the tying run.

Needing one more out to give Texas the win, Francisco quickly got two strikes on Martinez. But after fouling off three pitches, Martinez doubled home Ellsbury and Pedroia to give Boston a 5-4 lead.

Jason Bay followed with a single that delivered Martinez, and J.D. Drew ended the outburst with a two-run homer.

The comeback made a winner out of Takashi Saito (3-3), who worked the eighth inning.