MLB: Boston 10, Baltimore 3

BOSTON, July 8 (UPI) -- David Ortiz hit a three-run homer during an eight-run first inning and touched off a benches-clearing brawl Friday in Boston's 10-3 win over Baltimore.

Baltimore's frustrations boiled over as its losing streak reached five games, during which the Orioles have given up 50 runs.

When Ortiz came to the plate in the eighth he was thrown three straight inside pitches by reliever Kevin Gregg. After the second of those pitches Ortiz began walking slowly to the mound before being restrained by home plate umpire Mike Estabrook. The benches emptied, but nothing came of it.

Ortiz then hit a fly ball to center field that resulted in a double play when Josh Reddick was thrown out at home. As Ortiz was jogging toward first base, Gregg appeared to yell at Ortiz and Ortiz headed toward the mound.

After shoving each other, Ortiz and Gregg both swung and missed as the dugouts and bullpens emptied. Both players were ejected, as was Boston catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Baltimore pitcher Jim Johnson.

Boston has won four in a row.

The Red Sox sent 13 men to the plate in the first inning while scoring eight runs on seven hits. Baltimore starter Zach Britton (6-7) retired only two batters.

Josh Beckett (8-3) got the win, giving up three runs on seven hits in five innings.