Kevin Youkilis launched a three-run homer into the second row of the Green Monster giving Boston a 4-0 lead in the third inning. Then, Mike Lowell singled to left field making it a five run gap. And for the first time this season the Red Sox finally held onto an early lead.
With the win, Boston pushes their winning streak to three games.
Youkilis drove in another run in the fourth on an RBI single to center and Josh Beckett held on for his second win of the season pitching six innings, giving up four runs — three earned — on four walks and five strikeouts.
Jonathan Papelbon didn’t make it easy in the ninth stranding two runners on base for his fourth save of the season.
Star of the Game – Youkilis
Youk went 4 for 5 with four RBI’s and was a triple shy of the cycle in the win. A noteable in the game was David Ortiz who collected two hits in five trips.
Next Game – Sun. 4/19 vs. Baltimore Orioles – Koji Uehara/Jon Lester
Lester needs to turn it around here. Boston’s bats are hot scoring 16 runs in the past two games and Lester is due for a win.
He has to be right?
Uehara is 2-0 on the season with a 7.20 ERA. He has given up eight runs over 10 innings pitched on 12 hits with five walks, two home runs and only three strikeouts.