Matt Wieters drove in three runs as the Orioles handled the Red Sox, 4-2, in Boston Friday. The win helped the Orioles stay a game behind the Yankees in the American League East. The Yankees got a 2-1 win against the Athletics Friday.

Entering the game, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester was 14-0 against the Orioles, but took his first loss against the Birds during a seven-inning, eight-hit effort.

With the Orioles down, 1-0, Wieters hit a two-run single during the fourth inning off Lester. The Red Sox tied the game at 2 in the fifth, but Wieters doubled home Adam Jones in the sixth. He later scored during that inning on an RBI single from Mark Reynolds.

The Orioles had won the previous three games when Lester was pitching, but he had not factored in the decisions. Otherwise, he had a history of dominating the Birds until Friday.

There was a brief scary moment during the ninth inning when Boston reliever Mark Melancon hit Robert Andino in his upper back, near the neck and head. The Orioles removed Andino after he walked to first to not risk his health.

As with all the hurdles they have faced this season, the Orioles didn't seem fazed by Lester's past success.

Miguel Gonzalez went 6.1 innings for the Orioles, giving up seven hits and two runs.

"He's a smart, high-IQ ballplayer," Wieters said on MASN after the game. "That's fun to work with."

The Orioles made history Friday night as well, as Jim Johnson recorded his franchise-record 46th save of the season.

The Orioles are 9-4 against Boston this season.

Posted Sept. 21, 2012