BALTIMORE, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- Daniel Nava's three-run homer got Boston off to a quick start Friday and the Red Sox clinched home field advantage in the playoffs by downing Baltimore 12-3.
Boston scored eight runs in the first three innings, pounded out 16 hits and held on to win its 97th game of the season. The Red Sox ensured no worse than a tie with Oakland for the best record in the American League and Boston holds the tiebreak over the Athletics.
Nava's home run came during a five-run first inning, during which the Red Sox also scored on a double by Mike Napoli and a triple by Stephen Drew.
Drew also delivered two runs in the third with a single after Jarrod Saltalamacchia had doubled home Nava. David Ortiz contributed a three-run homer in the eighth and Jonny Gomes had a solo shot in the ninth.
Clay Buchholz (12-1) gave up three runs on seven hits without a walk in seven innings to get the win.
Scott Feldman's season ended with a 12-12 record after he surrendered eight runs on eight hits in just 2 1/3.
One of Baltimore's runs came on the 53rd homer of the year by Chris Davis in the sixth. He began the night with eight more home runs than anybody else in the majors.
