In a pinch, Papi wins it for Red Sox

He also worked the count full and then crunched a 95-m.p.h. fastball. The ball went out to right center for Ortiz's 11th home run. That was the difference in a 4-3 victory,

"To David's credit he was down in the cage, he was swinging, he was ready," Francona said. "He had a really good at-bat."

Said Clay Buchholz: "He made Tito look like a genius. He threw him out there at the right time."

Ortiz is now 2 for 2 in his career against Valverde. His previous at-bat, last July 30, produced a grand slam in the ninth inning at Fenway Park. The Sox lost that game, 6-5.

Ortiz didn't remember that at-bat as he came to the plate. He was just looking for a good pitch.

"He gave it to me," said Ortiz, who got a fastball on the inner half of the plate. "I just try and see the ball and when I get my pitch, don't miss it."

At his locker, a smiling Ortiz said he doesn't like pinch hitting. But he has four pinch-hit home runs in his career including his first with the Sox. That came on April 27, 2003 at Anaheim off Mickey Callaway in the 14th inning of a 4-4 game.

Pinch hitting for Jeremy Giambi, Ortiz slugged the game-winner.

In terms of other stuff:

ߦ Clay Buchholz's back stiffened up on him during the game, which is why he was pulled after six innings and 98 pitches. He said it happens from time to time and won't affect his next start. He also had a blister on his right foot, the result of a hole in his sock during his warm-up.

ߦ Remember when Matt Albers blew that game against the Cubs May 21, allowing six runs and not getting an out? He has pitched twice since and thrown three no-hit innings. Albers (1-2) got the win today with two strong innings.

ߦ J.D. Drew will start Game 2. It's his first start since Tuesday because of a tight right hamstring.