Red Sox 6, Orioles 3: Clay Buchholz overcame a wobbly start to pitch eight strong innings as visiting Boston averted a three-game sweep.

Adrian Gonzalez had two hits and two RBIs and Cody Ross added three hits and a run-scoring single as the Red Sox handed Baltimore only its third defeat in 12 games.

Buchholz (11-3) allowed three runs on six hits in the first two innings but held the Orioles to two hits the rest of the way and struck out seven to win his third straight decision and improve to 7-3 lifetime against Baltimore.

Alfredo Aceves struck out the side in a perfect ninth for his 24th save to give the Red Sox their fourth win in 12 meetings with Baltimore.

Boston erased a 3-1 deficit and went ahead with a three-run sixth inning, getting consecutive RBI singles from Dustin Pedroia, Gonzalez and Ross off reliever Luis Ayala for a 6-3 lead.

Orioles starter Chris Tillman allowed three runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Ayala (4-4) was tagged for three runs on four hits in one frame.

Mark Reynolds homered and Adam Jones had a two-run double for the Orioles, who remained six games behind the AL East-leading New York Yankees.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Buchholz is 3-0 in his last six starts, giving up only 11 runs in 47 innings. ... Reynolds went 5-for-11 in the series with three homers and seven RBIs. ... Boston CF Jacoby Ellsbury went 0-for-4 and had his 38-game hitting streak against the Orioles snapped. ... ... The Orioles placed 3B Wilson Betemit on the 15-day disabled list on Thursday with a bone bruise and partially torn cartilage in his right wrist. Joe Mahoney was called up from Triple-A Norfolk to take Betemit's roster slot. ... Red Sox RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka (neck), who has not pitched since July 2, will make another rehab start at Triple-A Pawtucket after an unimpressive stint in his last outing. ... The Red Sox head to New York on Friday for a three-game series against Yankees while the Orioles kick off a six-game road trip in Detroit.