BOSTON - By playing Manny Ramirez in left field Wednesday, manager Terry Francona had the opportunity to get Sean Casey in the lineup.

Casey was batting .360 this season, but of more importance was Casey’s success against Minnesota’s starter, Livan Hernandez. Casey was a .500 hitter (14-for-28) in his career against the Twins right-hander. So Francona penciled in Casey as the Sox’ designated hitter.

Now Casey’s batting .516 against Hernandez.

Casey went 2-for-3, banging out a pair of run-producing singles. The only time Hernandez retired Casey came on a called third strike in the second inning, a generous call from plate umpire Scott Barry that even prompted the generally affable Casey to turn around and question.

Casey added a ground-rule double off Boof Bonser in the seventh. His 3-for-4 day raised his average to .374.