Late boomers

Over the past three days, 28 of the Red Sox’ 30 runs have scored with two outs. The runs can demoralize an opponent - “backbreakers,’’ Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. They also have allowed Boston to maintain a 1 1/2-game lead in the American League wild-card race over the idle Texas Rangers.

With their explosive two-out performances, the Sox have made a bad memory out of their slumping offense. Throughout their last seven games, in which they are 5-2, the Sox have averaged 9.3 runs on 11.6 hits. Francona often has insisted one hitter can transform a team, and the addition of Victor Martinez has completed the Red Sox.

“I think everyone has kind of been waiting for this,’’ Bay said. “It’s kind of been searching for that offensive identity all year. We’ve not really been consistent. We haven’t had the games like this, like we kind of envisioned early on.’’

Last night, the Red Sox saved their latest explosive two-out performance for that seventh inning. The offense had previously tried to make it an easy night. Chicago starter Jose Contreras was a willing accomplice, but Clay Buchholz would not comply. The Red Sox, who once led by five runs, entered the seventh ahead, 9-7.

And suddenly, the Red Sox struck. J.D. Drew roped a home run into the White Sox bullpen. Alex Gonzalez doubled to left-center. Jacoby Ellsbury dropped a triple into the left-field corner. Dustin Pedroia slammed a double off the Monster.

Perhaps Octavio Dotel should never have given Drew, batting eighth, a pitch he could drive over the fence. But then Gonzalez, batting ninth, already had a pair of hits. The Red Sox have eliminated any holes from their lineup.

“When Gonzie is swinging the bat like that,’’ Francona said, “it changes everything.’’

After Buchholz snapped his recent string of strong starts, the bullpen bailed him out. Led by Ramon Ramirez’s 1 2/3 innings and Jonathan Papelbon’s two-strikeout ninth, the bullpen gave up one run in 4 1/3 innings. “Huge,’’ Francona said.