MLB: Boston 12, Chicago White Sox 8

BOSTON, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- Mike Lowell finished off a six-run third inning with a three-run homer Monday, sparking the Boston Red Sox to a 12-8 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

The Red Sox, having lost twice in a three-game weekend series against the New York Yankees, climbed 1 ½ games in front of idle Texas at the top of the American League wild-card race. Boston is seven games behind the Yankees in the AL East.

Boston took a 9-4 lead through four innings, but only three of those runs were earned. A fielding error by Chicago starter Jose Contreras opened the gates for Boston's big third inning.

Chicago threatened to get back in the game, cutting its deficit to 9-7 and then putting two runners on with one away in the seventh. Boston escaped that inning unscathed, however, and then scored three times in the bottom half of the frame thanks in part to J.D. Drew's solo homer.

Boston loaded the bases with two out in the third and David Ortiz hit a 3-0 pitch back to Contreras (5-12). The Chicago pitcher bobbled the ball, allowing one run to score. Contreras then walked in a run, threw a wild pitch that allowed another to score and finally gave up a three-run homer to Lowell.

The win went to Ramon Ramirez (7-3), who worked 1 2/3 innings in relief of starter Clay Buchholz.

Chicago, which began the night 2 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central, opened an 11-game road trip.