alfredo aceves

Here's another subplot in the build-up to what could be a free-for-all in the AL East this summer: Almost every team in the division can play the nobody-believed-in-us card.

When the Orioles acquired Jim Thome on July 1, they did so hoping the 41-year-old had enough hits left in his bat to help them reach the postseason for the first time in 15 years.

The Orioles (31-24) extended their Fenway Park mark to 4-0 this season ¿ three of those wins coming in extra innings. The teams have now played 49 innings at Fenway this year ¿ the equivalent of roughly 5 ½ games.

Nick Johnson had his first multi-homer game in nearly six years, but the Orioles allowed homers to the bottom three hitters in an injury-plagued Red Sox lineup in a 6-5 loss.