BALTIMORE — Almost lost in all the excitement of Wednesday's dramatic come-from-behind victory over the Orioles was the fact the Jason Bay went 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. He finished the series 0-for-15 with nine strikeouts.

Boston's cleanup hitter knows he's just in a little bit of a funk, and says he's not worried about it.

"It's one of those things that happen," he said. "Fortunately we won the game, but it doesn't make you feel any better. You kind of feel lost at times because you're trying to find that magical thing that helps you. It's not like I'm getting pitched any differently, I'm just getting myself out by not seeing the ball. Right now I just don't have that rhythm."

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Julio Lugo has become a bench player for the Red Sox due to the combination of his sub-par performances at shortstop, and the uplifting play of Nick Green.

When called upon offensively, however, Lugo has found a way to help. He did just that Wednesday afternoon as he provided the game-winning hit in the top of the 11th inning to give Boston a 6-5 comeback victory.

"He's been good offensively," said manager Terry Francona. "That's not why he hasn't played. He hasn't thrown at-bats away, and today was a huge example."

It's no secret Lugo is not happy with his current role, but he's been able to stay sharp and wants to help the club win.

"Of course," he said. "When you don't play everyday it's hard to go out there and be sharp. I try to do the best I can, and when I'm playing I'm not going to feel sorry for myself."

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The Red Sox have signed their 2009 top draft choice, Reymond Fuentes. The 18-year-old outfielder from Puerto Rico has been assigned to the Gulf Coast Red Sox of the Rookie League.

The 6-foot-1, 170-pounder hit .424 with 3 doubles, 5 triples, 3 homers, 14 RBI, 18 runs scored, 12 walks and 9 stolen bases in 13 games for Fernando Callejo High School.

Fuentes is the cousin of Mets center fielder Carlos Beltran.

Also agreeing to terms with the Sox are Jeremy Hazelbaker (fourth round, outfielder), Shannon Wilkerson (eighth round, outfielder), Michael Thomas (12th round, catcher) and Chris McGuiness (13th round, first baseman).

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Jed Lowrie returned to Boston Wednesday morning to meet with Red Sox physical therapist Scott Waugh.

Lowrie, in Pawtucket on rehab assignment as he recuperates from wrist surgery, was hit by a pitch in the back of his left knee early last week and suffered a contusion. His playing time has been sporadic since being hit, and he's missed the last couple of games because of swelling.

"He's still sore," said Francona. "He's sore and it's slowed his progress because he can't play."

Lowrie has been on the DL since his wrist surgery in April.

jmcdonal@projo.com