BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox gave Pedro Martinez an easy outing for once. Nomar Garciaparra, Manny Ramirez and Kevin Millar homered to back seven scoreless innings by Boston's ace as the Red Sox opened a nine-run lead and coasted to a 9-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays yesterday.

"Pedro pitches in so many close games," catcher Jason Varitek said. "I would think if you give Pedro a lead, it takes a lot of the gas out of the other team."

Martinez, who allowed three hits, struck out eight and walked none, did not talk to reporters after the game. Since his last loss on May 9, he has four wins and five no-decisions; his previous six starts have all been one- or two-run games.

"It was nice to get a lot of offence out there on a day when he was pitching," Boston manager Grady Little said. "He felt good about it and the whole team felt good about it."

Martinez gave up singles to lead off three innings, but no runner reached second base against him. Brandon Lyon pitched a perfect eighth but Toronto scored four runs on four hits and two errors in the ninth.

Chris Woodward reached on second baseman Damian Jackson's error to lead off, then Howie Clark reached on third baseman Bill Mueller's error. One out later, Vernon Wells singled to load the bases.

Lyon struck out Jayson Werth, but then Greg Myers singled to score Woodward, and Bobby Kielty reached on an infield single to load the bases and score another. Eric Hinske's double scored two more to make it 9-4.

Orlando Hudson grounded out to first to end the game.

"We just ran out of outs," Toronto manager Carlos Tosca said. "The lead was just too big."

John Wasdin gave up six runs on six hits and two walks, striking out three before leaving with two out in the third, down 6-0.

A former Red Sox pitcher remembered for giving up homers, Wasdin had a lot more trouble but it could have been worse. After Millar homered to lead off the third, Trot Nixon hit a deep drive to right field that was brought back over the wall by Kielty, saving a sure homer. Even the Boston fans appreciated the effort, giving Kielty a big hand.

RED SOX 9

BLUE JAYS 4