BOSTON, May 11 (UPI) -- Alfredo Aceves retired the final two batters in the ninth with the potential tying runs on base Friday, preserving Boston's wild 7-5 victory over Cleveland.
The Red Sox established a 7-1 lead through six innings, and then had to hold on to snap a three-game losing streak. It was only the second Boston win in 10 games.
Dustin Pedroia doubled in two runs in the second and another with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to key the Boston offense.
Cleveland made a game of it with a three-run seventh, one of the runs scoring on a bases loaded walk and another coming in on a base hit by Michael Brantley.
With Boston still in front by three heading into the ninth, Aceves came on to nail down the victory but quickly ran into trouble.
Carlos Santana walked to open the inning, went to second on fielder's indifference and scored on a one-out single by Brantley. Casey Kotchman then singled to send Brantley to third, putting the tying runs on the corners.
Aceves, however, struck out Jack Hannahan and got Johnny Damon on a fly ball to center.
It was the sixth save for Aceves and made a winner out of starter Clay Buchholz (4-1), who allowed four runs on eight hits over 6 1/3 innings.
Ubaldo Jimenez (3-3) was roughed up for seven runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings.
