MLB: Boston 3, Baltimore 1

BALTIMORE, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Clay Buchholz and four relievers combined to throw a five-hitter Friday in Boston's 3-1 victory over Baltimore.

Buchholz (6-3) won his fifth straight decision and helped Boston bounce back from a setback Thursday that ended its seven-game winning streak.

The Red Sox inched closer to a playoff spot after beginning the day with a six-game advantage over Texas in the American League wild-card race.

Buchholz allowed all five Baltimore hits, walked three and struck out one in six innings. Daniel Bard and Hideki Okajima worked an inning each and Jonathan Papelbon came on to pitch a perfect ninth for his 37th save.

Jason Bay gave Boston a 2-1 lead in the fourth with his 34th home run of the season. Jacoby Ellsbury singled in an insurance run in the sixth.

This Red Sox have won 14 of 16 games against the Orioles this season.