Boston’s Mike Lowell connects on his second grand slam of the season in the fifth inning against the Orioles yesterday.

The Providence Journal / Glenn Osmundson

BOSTON –– The oasis known as Fenway Park has become more of a Shangri-La for the Red Sox of late. The club said goodbye to “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark” after last night’s 9-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles and finished the homestand with a 7-2 record.

Red Sox starter Jon Lester set the tone as he allowed only two runs on seven hits with two walks and three strikeouts in seven innings. While the left-hander improved to 5-3, his offense exploded in a big way to lend some support.

“He started out today right out of the chute, establishing his breaking ball,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “He pounded the zone and was in charge of the game. Getting that one swing from Mike Lowell to spread it out certainly doesn’t hurt.”

Lowell crushed a grand slam after the Orioles intentionally walked Manny Ramirez to load the bases in the fifth inning. It was Lowell’s eighth career slam, and second this season, and gave Boston a 5-0 advantage.

“That’s a big deal,” he said. “We get four runs with one swing of the bat. That put the momentum on our side.”

He wasn’t the only one to provide an offensive surge.

Kevin Youkilis and J.D. Drew each had a two-run homer en route to victory. For Youkilis it was his first homer in the last 20 games. Drew continues his torrid pace as he extended his hitting streak to 11 games since slugger David Ortiz went on the disabled list. In that span Drew is hitting .500 with 6 homers, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 15 RBI, 15 runs and 10 walks.

“It’s been great,” said Francona. “He’s been right in the middle of just about every rally we’ve had. He’s seeing the ball. Right when David went down, this guy picked the time to get right in the middle of the batting order and get hot. It’s been great.”

Almost lost in all the excitement and solid performances was the way Youkilis played. He seemed to be all over the field and involved in everything.

“I thought he had a great night,” said Francona. “He got some walks. He battled early and kind of almost swung himself into having good at-bats. He fought some pitches off. He pulled a couple into their dugout and hit a couple into our dugout. It was a good night and by the end of the night you could tell he was feeling good at the plate.”

It’s been an interesting week for Youkilis.

He and Ramirez had it out in the dugout last week for a “misunderstanding” that reportedly started over Youkilis’ overanimated on-field personality when it comes to throwing helmets, bats and disagreeing with calls.

“I’ve kind of thrown that by the wayside right now,” said Youkilis. “There’s been a couple of guys who have told me to be who I am and do what I want to do. This team needs me to be at the top of my game. That’s the way I play the game.”

It has been evident, especially with all the action he was involved in last night, Youkilis has calmed down a bit.

“I can’t guarantee anything,” said Youkilis. “All I can guarantee is that I’m going to give 100 percent every day and play as hard as I can. If that’s not enough and people aren’t pleased with that –– so be it. I’m here to play hard and play the game the right way. If getting upset affects peoples’ judgment –– so be it. I’m over it.”

The Sox left Fenway Park after last night’s game and arrived in Cincinnati early this morning. While the road hasn’t been all that kind to them of late, Youkilis is sure looking forward to his trip home because he could probably use it right now.

“It’s going to be a fun weekend,” he said. “I’ll get to see a lot of family and friends. It’ll be good times seeing some people and playing baseball.”

jmcdonal@projo.com