(Im)Perfecto! Sox Slam Humber, ChiSox 10-3

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (pictured with David Ortiz) hit a pair of solo home runs and Kevin Youkilis added a grand slam, all off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Philip Humber, as the Sox downed Chicago 10-3 in the opening game of the 4-game series at U.S. Cellular Field. For the Red Sox, it was their 4th straight win. Humber, making his 1st start since throwing a perfect game against the Mariners this past Saturday, lasted 5 innings and was charged with 9 runs on 8 hits; he walked 3 and struck out 5.

Felix Doubrount started for Boston and got the win allowing 3 runs over 6 innings (5 hits, 3 walks, 2 strike outs) for his 1st win of the season.

Junichi Tazawa pitched 3 scoreless innings in relief.

NOTES - Kevin Youkilis is showing legitimate signs of life after a brutal start. His 3 hits tonight raised his average to .241.

Don't look for Carl Crawford any time soon. The team said today he's been diagnosed with an ulner collateral ligament sprain in his left elbow. Crawford has been shut down from all baseball activity and could miss as much as 3 months.

The Red Sox will send Daniel Bard to the mound tomorrow night followed by Jon Lester on Saturday and Josh Beckett on Sunday.

The Red Sox return home Monday for 3 games with Oakland and another 3 with the somewhat surprising Baltimore Orioles.

For all the problems exhibited by the pitching staff in the first couple of weeks of the 2012 season, the offense has been producing, even as the team plays without Carl Crawford and Jacoby Ellsbury. Compared to the rest of the American League, the Sox are 1st in doubles, 2nd in batting average and slugging, 3rd in runs scored, total bases and OPS, as well as 4th in OBP and 6th in home runs.