Means baffles Boston, O’s win 4-1

Baltimore — Orioles left-hander, John Means, baffled the high-powered Boston Red Sox, leading the Birds to a 4-1 win Monday night.

Means (W, 4-3) tossed a career-high seven innings, allowing just one run on three hits, while striking out four and not allowing a single walk.

Means threw 96 pitches (60 for strikes) and lowered his ERA on the season to 2.48. He retired the side in order four times during his impressive outing.

The only hint of trouble for Means came in the fifth inning, when he surrendered a leadoff double to Boston catcher, Christian Vasquez.

Vasquez would eventually score on a sacrifice fly by Boston third baseman, Eduardo Nunez, but Boston would not threaten for the remainder of the game.

Left-hander, Paul Fry, and right-hander, Mychal Givens, shut the door, allowing no hits over two innings of work out of the bullpen. Givens earned his fourth save of the season.

Baltimore would get all their offense in the second inning, and it was more than enough.

Third baseman, Rio Ruiz, led off the inning with a single off Red Sox starter, Josh Smith (L, 0-1).

Center fielder, Stevie Wilkerson, followed with a bunt single. First baseman, Chris Davis, then drew a walk, loading the bases.

Two batters later, second baseman, Jonathan Villar, hit a grand slam home run to straight away center, giving the Birds all their runs for the night.

The Orioles improve to 13-22 on the season, earning just there fifth victory at home.

The same two teams square off again tomorrow. David Hess (1-4, 5.34) will start for the Orioles, while Boston will send Hector Velazquez (0-2, 3.72) to the mound.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 PM.