As the D-Backs and Red Sox traded runs through five innings and battered around each other's starting pitchers, it looked as if Arizona might be able to finally pull out a road win.
Nope, not happening. The Snakes' 8-5 loss now makes 13 in a row, adding to the depressing franchise record.
Not even D-Backs ace Dan Haren could end the pitiful streak.
The D-Backs got the scoring started in the opening frame as Justin Upton walked and then stole second. An RBI double by Miguel Montero with two outs gave the away team an early lead.
But that lead (or any other D-Backs lead in this game, for that matter) wouldn't last long.
In the bottom of the first, Kevin Youkilis hit into fielder's choice to score Dustin Pedroia and tie the game.
Chris Young put the Snakes back on top in the top of the third with an RBI double of his own to score Stephen Drew with two outs.
But the D-Backs were unable to hold onto their slim lead for long as Boston took the lead in the bottom of the third on Ortiz's two-run homer.
Not to be outdone, the Snakes struck back in the top of the fourth - all with two outs.
Kelly Johnson poked a single to right to score Gerardo Parra and tie the game at three against Boston starter John Lackey.
After Haren shut down the Red Sox in the bottom of the fourth, Montero hit his second double of the game to score Justin Upton, who walked to start the fifth inning.
Naturally, Boston tied the game in their half of the fifth on Marco Scutaro's RBI double.
The seesaw battle continued in the sixth as the Red Sox took a 5-4 lead on an RBI single by Adrian Beltre.
A throwing error by Upton doomed the Snakes, putting runners on second and third with only one out. After a hit batter to load the bases, Scutaro plated another Red Sox run with a sac fly.
The D-Backs had a golden chance in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases. But Mark Reynolds struck out looking. Overall in the series, Reynolds was 0-11 with nine strikeouts.
Leading 6-4, Boston tacked on two more runs in the eighth to put the game away.
Young tried to spark a rally with an RBI double in the ninth, but Jonathan Papelbon sealed the deal for the third night in a row.
The D-Backs now travel to Detroit for a three game series against the Tigers. Dontrelle Willis (1-0, 1.80 ERA) gets the start tomorrow against Armando Galarraga (2-1, 2.67 ERA).
TV: Fox Sports Arizona. Radio: KTAR 620 AM. More info: www.dbacks.com.
