David Ortiz homered and drove in four runs, and Josh Beckett (16-6) allowed two runs over six innings to lift the Red Sox to a 9-2 win over the Royals 6-2 last night in Kansas City.

Tigers 11, Indians 3

In Cleveland, Carlos Guillen hit two home runs as Detroit maintained a 2½-game lead over Minnesota in the AL Central.

Twins 8, White Sox 6

In Chicago, Brian Duensing won his fifth straight decision as Minnesota completed a three-game sweep.

Astros 3, Cardinals 0

In Houston, the Cards missed a chance to capture the NL Central, but their magic number dropped to one when the Cubs lost in Milwaukee.

Marlins 7, Phillies 6

In Miami, Brett Carroll’s RBI single capped a two-run rally against closer Brad Lidge in the ninth as the Phils’ magic number stayed at five.

Padres 6, Rockies 3

Will Venable homered as San Diego snapped Colorado’s eight-game home winning streak.

Giants 5, D’backs 2

In Phoenix, Juan Uribe hit a two-run homer as the Giants gained ground in the NL wild-card race. San Francisco (82-70) remained in a tie with Atlanta, four games behind Colorado with 10 games to play.

Nationals 5, Dodgers 4

In Washington, the Nationals averted their 100th loss of the season and the Dodgers’ magic number remained at two.