Even though Boston got out to a 9-0 lead after four innings of play the Red Sox bullpen made it interesting.
John Smoltz earned his first victory in a Sox uniform pitching five innings allowing four hits, one run, one walk and seven strikeouts. However, Justin Masterson came in for relief and let the Royals right back into the contest yielding five runs on four hits recording just one out.
Boston used an offensive onslaught to derail Kansas City’s comeback as Kevin Youkilis homered twice, and Jason Varitek and David Ortiz also went deep.
Youkilis drove in four runs on the night going 3-for-4.
Star of the Game – Youkilis
He had an impressive day at the plate homering twice with a towering solo blast in the eighth.
Hats off to Aaron Bates who collected his first major league hit and RBI in the same at bat in the eighth inning notching a single up the middle to plate Jacoby Ellsbury.
Next Game – 7/12 vs. Kansas City Royals – Bruce Chen/Josh Beckett
Can we just put a W in the win column now. Its Bruce Chen for crying out loud with Beckett going. This is a lock.
