Minneapolis, MN – Cody Ross' second home run of the game proved to be the difference as Boston opened a three-game set against Minnesota with a 6-5 victory.
Ross hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning and added a go-ahead solo blast in the ninth while Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a two-run shot in the second for the Red Sox, who snapped a five-game losing streak.
Jon Lester went seven innings in the start for Boston and gave up five runs on six hits with four walks and four strikeouts. Daniel Bard (1-2) got the win for getting the final two outs of the eighth.
Danny Valencia hit a two-run home run and Ryan Doumit added a two-run double for the Twins, who have dropped their past three.
Jason Marquis was tagged for five runs on 11 hits with three strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings. Matt Capps (0-1) suffered the loss for serving up the homer in the ninth.