O’s thump Sox

Orioles 6, Red Sox 3

MLB. In years past, the Orioles probably would have wilted against the Red Sox after falling behind and watching Manny Ramirez make an incredible play.

It didn’t happen in yesterday’s 6-3 victory, and the Orioles insist it’s not going to happen anymore. Bring it on Sox and Yankees, or anyone else who thinks this is the same team that’s endured 10 straight losing seasons.

“They’re not intimidated. They really don’t think they should take a back seat,” manager Dave Trembley said. “They think they can play with anybody.”

Jay Payton hit his fourth career grand slam to back a gritty pitching effort by Daniel Cabrera, and the Orioles rallied to complete a two-game sweep. It was the first time since July 2005 that Baltimore won two in a row over its AL East rivals.

Solo homers by Jason Varitek and Mike Lowell, and a defensive gem by Ramirez — yes, Ramirez — weren’t enough to prevent the Red Sox from losing their fourth straight. It was the third consecutive game in which Boston blew a three-run lead.

“I’m not really concerned,” Varitek said. “We need to find a way to grind out a win.”

Ramirez, to put it kindly, is better known for his prowess at the plate. In the fourth inning, however, he made a difference with his glove. With runners at first and second and one out, Kevin Millar hit a drive to left. Ramirez made an over-the-shoulder grab on the warning track, reached over the 7-foot wall to slap a Boston fan with a high-five, then turned and threw the ball to Dustin Pedroia. The relay from Pedroia to Kevin Youkilis doubled up Aubrey Huff to complete the 7-4-3 double play.

Ultimately, the Sox were undone by their bullpen, which spoiled a fine outing by starter Jon Lester. Javier Lopez, Craig Hansen and Hideki Okajima were all ineffective in a four-run seventh that doomed Boston to its sixth loss in eight games.

“We’ve got a good bullpen. You put your trust in them,” said Lester, who gave up two runs in six innings. “Nine out of 10 times, they get the job done.”