Garciaparra’s Homers Lead Red Sox to Victory

Nomar Garciaparra hit two home runs, including a three-run shot during a five-run fourth inning, as the Red Sox defeated the Baltimore Orioles, 9-5, Thursday at Boston.

Mo Vaughn added a two-run homer for the Red Sox, who won for only the fourth time in 13 games and gained a split of the four-game series. Tim Naehring drove in three runs and Reggie Jefferson had three doubles for Boston. B.J. Surhoff hit a two-run homer for Baltimore.

Aaron Sele (7-5) was the beneficiary of Boston’s offense. He gave up three runs and six hits in seven innings.

Boston left fielder Wil Cordero didn’t play for the second consecutive game. He expressed regret Thursday after pleading innocent the day before to charges of assaulting and threatening to kill his wife, Ana. Cordero, released on $1,000 bail, said the couple is undergoing counseling.

Milwaukee 6, Cleveland 2--Jose Mercedes, a last-minute replacement for scheduled starter Scott Karl, gave up three hits over eight innings and Dave Nilsson hit a two-run homer to lead the Brewers at Cleveland.

Mercedes (3-2) faced the minimum 24 batters through eight innings, with the Brewers turning three double plays. But he tired in the ninth, giving up two singles and a run-scoring double to Marquis Grissom. Doug Jones came on and gave up a sacrifice fly to Omar Vizquel before retiring the side.

Karl was scratched after experiencing back stiffness.