Historic hit makes Papi Man of the Flour

BOSTON — At 40 years old, David Ortiz maintains the swagger of a superstar and the power of a Hall of Famer. On Saturday, he reminded everyone that no one is better when the game is on the line.

Ortiz tied the game in the ninth inning with a two-out triple and won it in the 11th inning with a two-out double, sending the Red Sox to a 6-5, extra-innings victory over the Astros at Fenway Park.

As he approached second base after his game-winning hit, Ortiz was doused in flour by his teammates — an idea that was concocted by right-hander Joe Kelly. Then, as Ortiz was preparing for an on-field interview, first baseman Hanley Ramirez and catcher Christian Vazquez gave him a blue sports drink bath.

It was fitting that the Red Sox celebrated like kids during Play Ball Weekend, with Major League Baseball and its clubs hosting events from coast to coast. Boston has held events all week, including a pregame photo op for children on Saturday.

With the double, he joined Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds as the only players with 600 doubles and 500 homers. He also hit career home run No. 513 in the third inning, surpassing Ernie Banks and Eddie Mathews for No. 22 all time.

“We travel to all these ballparks and he’s presented gifts,” manager …

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