MLB: Boston 9, Baltimore 3

BALTIMORE, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- A two-run homer by Manny Ramirez Sunday afternoon ignited a 9-3 Boston Red Sox rout of Baltimore to cap a three-game sweep.

Johnny Damon added a two-run homer, Bill Mueller had three hits and two RBI, and John Olerud also drove in two runs for Boston, which remained tied with the New York Yankees atop the American League East.

Ramirez has 41 homers for the season and is tied with former Oriole Cal Ripken Jr. for 34th on the all-time homer list with 431.

The Red Sox have won four of their last seven. Winning pitcher David Wells rose to 14-7.

Miguel Tejada and Melvin Mora both hit home runs for the Orioles, who have lost eight in a row. Loser John Maine fell to 2-3.