Ramirez’s double in 8th pushes Sox over Pirates

BOSTON — Hanley Ramirez looked plenty healthy in a big spot for the Boston Red Sox.

After a recent absence because of the flu, Ramirez doubled during a three-run rally in the eighth inning Thursday that sent the Red Sox over the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3.

“I think he’s carried what he did last year into this season despite missing the four games in Detroit,” Red Sox Manager John Farrell said. “I think he’s carried that confidence he had last season into the first five games that he’s been active.”

The game was a makeup from a rainout in the opening series. Boston wound up sweeping the Pirates, having beaten them in the first two games of the year.

Andrew McCutchen tied Barry Bonds for fourth on Pittsburgh’s alltime list with his first home run of the season, but the Pirates lost their fourth consecutive.

Matt Barnes (2-0) worked one inning of hitless relief. Craig Kimbrel pitched the ninth for his third save.

Ramirez got his first RBI of the season, hitting a two-run double with the bases loaded off Juan Nicasio (0-2) that made it 3-3. Mookie Betts, the second of two close runners heading home, was out at the plate.

Xander Bogaerts then slapped a go-ahead single to right.

“My pitch was just to throw a sinker inside and I didn’t miss,” Nicasio said. “The thing is Hanley came out on top.”

Boston newcomer Mitch Moreland set a club record by hitting a double for the seventh consecutive

game. The major league record is eight by Derrek Lee (2007) and Yadier Molina (2016).

“Being at this ballpark and knowing you’ve got a little help in left there makes you feel little more comfortable,” Moreland said of the Green Monster.