Mark Reynolds’ two-run double capped a five-run sixth inning to lift surging Baltimore over visiting Boston, 5-3, Wednesday night.

Miguel Gonzalez (5-2) won his third straight decision with six strong innings, allowing two runs on six hits as the Orioles took over the lead in the American League wild card standings.

J.C. Romero, Luis Ayala and Pedro Strop bridged the gap to closer Jim Johnson, who worked a perfect ninth for his 35th save as Baltimore improved to 9-2 in its last 11 games.

Matt Wieters added an RBI double and Nate McLouth had a run-scoring single in the decisive sixth for Baltimore, which has won eight of 11 meetings with Boston this season.

Red Sox starter Aaron Cook (3-6) didn’t allow a hit through 5 1/3 innings, but lost the no-hitter, the shutout and the lead and exited before retiring another batter. He allowed five runs — three earned — on three hits in 5 1/3 innings.

Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits and an RBI double and Carl Crawford drove in a pair of runs for the Red Sox, who tumbled to 4-10 in August and dropped 7½ games behind Baltimore in the wild card chase.

Boston manager Bobby Valentine and infielders Adrian Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia were all ejected in the late innings.

- - - - - -

GAME NOTEBOOK: Red Sox owner John Henry disputed a report by Yahoo! Sports of a near-player mutiny against manager Bobby Valentine at the end of last month. Henry confirmed the team meeting but said no player “took the position that Bobby should be or needed to be replaced.” ... Strop struck out two in the eighth for his 17th consecutive scoreless appearance. ... Ellsbury has hit in 38 consecutive games against the Orioles. He entered Wednesday’s game with a .363 lifetime average (97-for-267) vs. Baltimore. ... Orioles RHP Jason Hammel is scheduled to for a second throwing session off the mound Thursday. He is recovering from arthoscopic knee surgery and has been out since July 14. ... Orioles 3B Wilson Betemit is scheduled for an MRI exam Thursday on his ailing wrist. He has not played since Saturday.