BOSTON, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Mike Lowell had three hits and drove in five runs Wednesday as Boston inched closer to a division title with an 11-6 shelling of Oakland.
The Red Sox reduced their magic number for clinching the American League East crown to two.
Dustin Pedroia also had three hits, including a solo homer, and scored four times. Boston won for the fourth time in five games and will conclude the regular season by hosting Minnesota in a four-game series.
Boston has already wrapped up no worse than a wild card berth for the playoffs.
The Red Sox pounded out 17 hits with Manny Ramirez and Davis Ortiz getting three each. Starter Jon Lester lasted only 4 1/3 innings, giving up five runs. The win went to Mike Timlin (2-1), who threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Oakland has lost eight out of nine. Jerry Blevins (0-1) suffered the loss in relief, giving up three hits and three runs without retiring a batter.
Boston broke open a tie with a four-run sixth with Lowell contributing a two-run single in the inning.
