ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- Curt Schilling was far from perfect, but thanks to Manny Ramirez , he didn't have to be.

Ramirez's three-run homer capped a seven-run fourth inning and Schilling tossed 6 2/3 serviceable innings as the Boston Red Sox posted a 9-3 triumph over the Anaheim Angels in Game One of their American League Division Series.

Schilling (1-0) ran his lifetime postseason record to 6-1 with a workmanlike performance. He allowed three runs - two earned - and nine hits but eased off a bit after being staked to the huge lead.

In his first career postseason appearance for Boston, Schilling ran his career record in Division Series play to 3-0 with a 1.13 ERA. His ERA overall in 12 postseason appearances is 1.73.

"It's a different time of year, so assessing performance is different," Schilling said. "We got the win. I had good velocity, not too good of command. I wasn't as sharp. I made mistakes today, luckily they were solo home runs. They didn't hurt at the time. I didn't want to give them momentum."

Schilling's job was made much easier when the Red Sox battered Anaheim starter Jarrod Washburn (0-1) for seven runs in 3 1/3 innings. Kevin Millar and Ramirez homered in the frame, with Ramirez's blast putting Boston ahead 8-0.

"The seven-run lead changed the way I pitched," Schilling admitted.

Schilling's outing left an impression on his teammates.

"Schilling's fastball was live," Boston designated hitter David Ortiz said. "Some guys step up this time of year. Schilling was awesome. He definitely knows what he's doing."

"Schilling probably brings out the best in people," Red Sox center fielder Johnny Damon said. "He steps it up in the postseason."

When Schilling ran into a bit of trouble in the seventh, Alan Embree came on and got an out. Mike Timlin then tossed the final two innings, holding Anaheim hitless.

Washburn was tagged for seven runs - three earned - and five hits. He walked three and struck out three in falling to 1-3 in six career postseason starts.

"The boxscore doesn't show it, but I thought I pitched pretty well," Washburn said. "I made some bad pitches and they made me pay."

Game Two is Wednesday with Anaheim hoping to get even behind veteran righthander Bartolo Colon . The Red Sox seek a commanding lead behind Pedro Martinez , who is 3-0 in five career Division Series starts.

"We won one," Ramirez said. "We need three. Our job is not done until we get what we need."

"The series isn't over until someone wins three games," Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia said. "I like the makeup of our club. We were very good about turning the page this year."

The Red Sox broke on top 1-0 in the first when Ramirez doubled off the glove of third baseman Chone Figgins and scored when Ortiz ripped a base hit off the glove of second baseman Alfredo Amezaga in short right field.

After Schilling escaped a jam in the bottom of the third, Washburn was pounded in the fourth. Ortiz walked and Millar lined his second career postseason homer for a 3-0 lead.

"It was an 0-1 changeup," Millar said. "He left it out over the plate. I got the barrel of the bat on it."

"When he hit it, I thought it was a fly ball," Washburn said. "He got a daytime home run."

Jason Varitek singled and Orlando Cabrera walked, but Washburn struck out Bill Mueller . Gabe Kapler singled to right and Damon grounded to third, but Figgins fired high and wide to the plate, allowing two runs to score.

"It's tough to give a club that's stacked offensively extra outs," Scioscia said.

Scot Shields came on to strike out Mark Bellhorn , but Ramirez followed with the crushing blow, a drive over the center field wall.

"I've delivered my whole career, so this is nothing new," Ramirez said. "It was a changeup. I'm not trying to do anything special in that situation. I'm a see-the-ball, hit-the-ball kind of guy."

"It was a changeup," Shields confirmed. "You have to keep the ball down with him and I left it up. I knew exactly when he hit it. That broke the game open."

Boston had lost seven of its previous nine series openers.

"You don't see a seven-run inning that often," Millar said. "That was the difference. Taking their crowd out of the game was big."

Glaus opened the fourth with a homer to get Anaheim on the board and the Angels had the bases loaded with two outs in the sixth when Schilling made a crucial pitch.

Rookie Dallas McPherson , who was a late addition to the Angels' playoff roster, swung at Schilling's first offering and grounded weakly to second base.

Anaheim scored twice in the seventh, but Embree retired pinch hitter Adam Riggs with a runner in scoring position to escape the jam.