=== Boston Red Sox Team Report - July 30 ===

(My Sportsbook) - The Boston Red Sox look to extend their winning streak to four games on Wednesday when they battle the Texas Rangers in the middle contest of a three-game set at the Ballpark in Arlington.

Tuesday's series opener was all about Bill Mueller. The Boston third baseman hit three home runs, including two grand slams, and drove in a career-high nine runs to lead Boston to a 14-7 win over Texas.

Mueller's first grand slam, in the seventh, capped a seven-run rally for the Red Sox, who overcame a two-run deficit to post their eighth win in their last 10 games. Nomar Garciaparra finished with two hits, including a homer, and scored twice for Boston, which remained 1 1/2 games behind the Yankees for first place in the AL East.

Mueller stroked his fourth career slam in his next at-bat an inning later. He became the 12th player in major league history to hit two grand slams in a game and the fourth player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. Mueller is the first player in major league history to hit a grand slam from each side of the plate in the same contest.

Garciaparra was the last Red Sox to hit two grand slams in the same game. He did it May 10, 1999.

Tim Wakefield (8-5) won his second straight start after allowing four runs -- two earned -- on six hits in six innings.

Manny Ramirez left the game for Boston with a sore left quadriceps muscle in the fifth. He is expected to be the designated hitter on Wednesday.

During the game, Boston acquired more bullpen help by snagging pitcher Scott Williamson from the Cincinnati Reds for minor league pitcher Phillip Dumatrait, a player to be named later and cash. In 42 games with the Reds this season, Williamson went 5-3 with a 3.19 earned run average and 21 saves.

Taking the mound for the Red Sox on Wednesday is Ramiro Mendoza, who had a two-game winning streak snapped in his last outing. The righthander suffered the loss against Tampa Bay Thursday, as he surrendered seven runs on nine hits in 4 1/3 innings, while walking none and striking out one.

Mendoza has made three relief appearances against Texas this season, but Wednesday will mark his first start against the team in 2003. He is 4-1 with a 3.07 ERA in 22 career games -- two starts -- versus the Rangers.