Boston Red Sox defeat Baltimore Orioles, 6-1

In the 14 seasons he has been with the Red Sox, Jason Varitek has watched it happen to almost every pitcher he has handled, from brash rookies to veterans who believe they have seen it all.

They arrive in Boston confident in their abilities and are soon smacked in the face by the realities of pitching in the American League East.

“Not to disparage anybody else, but it’s traditionally where the best lineups are,’’ Varitek said. “You are going to face these teams four ...