A rousing victory for sleep-deprived Red Sox

“It’s not easy,’’ said Carl Crawford, who played all 27 innings. “But it’s a lot easier when you’re winning.’’

That’s eight wins in a row for the Red Sox, matching the Indians for the longest streak in the majors this season. They will try for the series sweep this afternoon with Jon Lester on the mound. Then comes a welcome day off.

“No use lying, we’re a little tired,’’ manager Terry Francona said. “But I think our guys do a good job. They like to play baseball. It’s not like you have to drag them to the ballpark.’’

Francona joked he contributed to the effort by distributing bottles of 5-Hour Energy. But he did manage the situation effectively. Along with Crawford, only Ellsbury and Lowrie played every inning. Kevin Youkilis got a day off yesterday, and when the Sox built their lead, Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz were pulled from the lineup.

Francona also spread the work out in the bullpen, using seven relievers over the course of the three games, none for more than inning.

“The pitching is what helps,’’ said Jason Varitek, who homered and drove in four runs yesterday. “When the starter sets the tone, it makes it that much easier.’’

John Lackey (4-5) went six innings in his second start since coming off the disabled list. He allowed four runs, two coming after the Sox opened up a 13-2 lead, and he struck out eight.

The biggest problem for Lackey was waiting out long innings. The Sox sent nine batters to the plate in the third and scored four runs. Then they scored seven runs in the fifth, sending up 10 batters.

“I’ll sit there all day if they want to keep swinging like that,’’ Lackey said. “That’s not something I’m ever going to complain about, for sure.’’

Outside of Lowrie, every Sox starter had at least one hit and scored at least one run. Marco Scutaro had four hits and Dustin Pedroia three as the Sox tallied 18.

The 16 runs were a season high and matched the most ever scored by the Sox against the Blue Jays.

Toronto starter Brandon Morrow (2-4) lost control of the game in the third.

Singles by Ellsbury, Pedroia and a double by Adrian Gonzalez accounted for the first run. Jays manger John Farrell then intentionally walked Ortiz to load the bases for Lowrie.