Pedroia powers Red Sox past Yankees

Dustin Pedroia hit his first career grand slam to cap a seven-run eighth inning as the Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 11-3 on Thursday.

Jason Bay drove in four runs for the Red Sox (77-55), who remained three-and-a-half games behind the Tampa Bay Rays (80-51) for first place in the American League East Division.

In the process, they also pulled away from the Yankees in the wild card race thanks to their late-game outburst.

Pinch hitter Brian Buscher lined a two-run single to snap a 4-4 tie and cap a three-run eighth inning as the Minnesota Twins came from behind to edge the Seattle Mariners 6-5.

Matt Garza (11-7) allowed six hits and three walks while striking out five in seven and two-thirds stellar innings as the Tampa Bay Rays edged the Toronto Blue Jays 1-0.

Kelly Shoppach homered and drove in three runs to propel the Cleveland Indians to their 10th straight victory, a 9-7 triumph over the Detroit Tigers.

Aubrey Huff, Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar all homered as the Baltimore Orioles claimed an 11-3 win over the Chicago White Sox.

Emil Brown homered and drove in three runs as the Oakland Athletics held off the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 6-5.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia had three hits to key the Texas Rangers' 3-2 defeat of the Kansas City Royals.