ANAHEIM, United States (AFP) - Manny Ramirez's three-run homer capped a seven-run fourth inning as the Boston Red Sox registered a 9-3 win over Anaheim in the opening game of their American League Division Series.
Curt Schilling (1-0) boosted his career postseason record to 5-1 with a strong performance in 6 2/3 innings on Tuesday.
He allowed just three runs and nine hits but eased off somewhat after being staked to the huge lead.
The Minnesota Twins posted a record five double plays to take the opener of the other AL Division Series with a 2-0 blanking of the New York Yankees.
In his first lifetime playoff appearance for Boston, Schilling ran his career record in Division Series play to 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA. His ERA overall in 12 playoff appearances is 1.73.
Schilling got some help from the hitters when the Red Sox battered Angel starter Jarrod Washburn (0-1) for seven runs in 3 1/3 innings.
Ramirez and Kevin Millar homered in the inning, with Ramirez's blast giving the Red Sox a resounding 8-0 lead.
Mike tossed the final two innings, holding Anaheim hitless.
Washburn was gave up seven runs and five hits. He walked three and struck out three in falling to 1-3 in six lifetime playoff starts.
Game Two is Wednesday with the Red Sox handing the ball to Pedro Martinez, who is 3-0 in five career Division Series starts.
Boston got on top 1-0 in the opening inning when Manny Ramirez doubled off the glove of third baseman Chone Figgins and scored when David Ortiz ripped a base hit off the glove of second baseman Alfredo Amezaga in short right field.
After Schilling escaped a jam in the third, Washburn was roughed up in the fourth.
Ortiz walked and Millar lined his second career playoff home run for a 3-0 lead.
Jason Varitek singled and Orlando Cabrera walked, but Washburn struck out Bill Mueller.
Gabe Kapler singled to right and Johnny Damon grounded to third, but Figgins fired high and wide to the plate, allowing two runs to score.
Scot Shields came on to strike out Mark Bellhorn, but Ramirez followed with the crushing blow, a drive over the centre field wall.
Minnesota's Johan Santana got plenty of help, scattering nine hits over seven innings against the Yankees.
Santana, who was 13-0 with a 1.18 ERA after the all-star break, was aided by double plays and the spectacular defence of outfielders Torii Hunter and Shannon Stewart.
Hunter was responsible for the first double play when he caught John Olerud's line drive to centre field and threw out Jorge Posada at home to end the second inning.
Santana (1-0) walked one and struck out five before Juan Rincon and Joe Nathan finished up.