Boston -- Manny Ramirez homered and drove in five runs Thursday, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 7-1 win over Tampa Bay in a game featuring a second-inning melee.
The Red Sox swept a three-game series between the top two teams in the American League East. Boston moved 1 1/2 games in front of the Rays at the top of the division.
Ramirez hit a three-run shot in the first inning and tempers boiled over in the second when a pitch from Tampa Bay starter James Shields hit Coco Crisp in the thigh.
Crisp charged the mound, the benches emptied and several punches were thrown by members of both teams. Crisp, Shields and Tampa Bay designated hitter Jonny Gomes -- who delivered a number of shots to Crisp while he was on the ground -- were ejected.
Jon Lester (4-3) earned his first win since throwing a no-hitter against Kansas City May 19. He gave up on eight hits and struck out five in 6 1/3 innings.
Boston won for the sixth time in seven games and captured its 13th straight at home.
Shields (4-4) took the loss, giving up four runs while retiring just three batters before the fight broke out.
Copyright 2008 by United Press International.
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