Sox stumble

Scott, Guthrie pace O’s to 5-4 win

MLB. Luke Scott connected for a three-run homer and Jeremy Guthrie struck out seven over six innings to help lift the Orioles past the Red Sox, 5-4, last night in Baltimore.

Boston got two hits each from Dustin Pedroia and Manny Ramirez to lead the offense, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Guthrie and three Baltimore relievers, who combined to hold the Sox to just one run over the final eight innings.

Boston’s best chance for a comeback came in the seventh inning. Trailing 5-3, the Sox loaded the bases with nobody out, but Baltimore reliever Jim Johnson induced Ramirez to ground into a double play, and Mike Lowell followed with a fly out to left field.

Scott was mired in a 7-for-55 skid before going 3-for-3 against Beckett, who came in 4-0 with a 2.05 ERA in four career starts at Camden Yards.

Scott’s third-inning blast was enough to make a winner of Guthrie (2-3). It was the fourth win in the last five games for the Orioles, who got three hits from Scott in the victory.

Josh Beckett (4-3) suffered the loss, allowing 11 hits and five earned runs in 5 2/3 innings of work. It was the fourth loss in the last five games for Boston, who will wrap up a 10-game road trip tomorrow afternoon in Camden Yards against the Orioles.

The Red Sox were without manager Terry Francona, who will miss the two-game series following the death of his mother-in-law. He was replaced by bench coach Brad Mills, now 5-4 when subbing for Francona.