Paul Byrd, making his first major league start since last September, pitched six shutout innings and the Red Sox completed a three-game sweep with a 7-0 victory over Roy Halladay and the Blue Jays yesterday in Boston.

The win was the sixth in seven games for Boston, which pulled 3½ games ahead of Texas in the AL wild-card race.

Byrd (1-0), out of baseball after finishing last year with the Red Sox, signed a minor league contract on Aug. 5. He gave up three hits and walked three.

Orioles 5, Indians 2

In Baltimore, Brian Matusz (3-2) pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, Felix Pie homered, and the Orioles beat the Indians for a split of the four-game series.

Tigers 4, Rays 3

In Detroit, Placido Polanco hit a three-run homer with two outs in the eighth inning to back up Justin Verlander (15-7).

Twins 5, Rangers 3

In Minneapolis, pinch-runner Carlos Gomez scored the go-ahead run as the Twins scored three times in the eighth inning.

Royals 3, Mariners 0

In Seattle, Zack Greinke (13-8, 2.32 ERA) pitched a one-hitter, allowing only a second-inning single by Kenji Johjima.

Angels 9, Athletics 1

In Anaheim, John Lackey (9-7) pitched eight innings of five-hit ball for his 100th victory as the Angels salvaged a split of their series with the last-place A’s.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dodgers 3, Reds 2 (12)

In Cincinnati, Matt Kemp homered for the Dodgers’ first run, then hit a sacrifice fly in the 12th inning. The Dodgers are 22-4 against the Reds since 2006.

Giants 9, Rockies 5

In San Francisco, Edgar Renteria hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning and the Giants pulled even in the NL wild-card race with Colorado by completing a three-game sweep.

Marlins 6, Padres 4

In Miami, John Baker and Cody Ross each drove in two runs as Florida snapped a three-game skid.

Phillies 3, Braves 2

In Philadelphia, Carlos Ruiz hit a two-run, go-ahead double in the seventh inning and Joe Blanton (9-6) pitched seven strong innings.

Cardinals 2, Nationals 1

In St. Louis, Adam Wainwright won his major league-leading 16th game as the Cards completed a three-game sweep.

Brewers 4, Pirates 1

Shortstop Craig Counsell helped Milwaukee turn a season-high four double plays.