Middlebrooks Homers Twice in Sox Win

The Sox pounced early on Kansas City starter Jonathan Sanchez. who came into this game with a 5.24 ERA and more walks than strikeouts. They  jumped to a 4-0 lead on Will Middlebrooks's three-run home run.

And it was good that they did, because the Royals climbed back to make it 5-4, a solo shot by Ortiz being the difference. Kelly Shoppach hit his first major league triple, and Dustin Pedroia knocked one out to make it 7-4.

The Sox threatened in the seventh, with two on and no outs, but then killed the rally with alarming speed. KC came back and threatened in its own seventh, loading the bases. But they got only one run, with Vicente Padilla getting Billy Butler to ground into a double play to end the inning. 7-5 Sox.

Felix Doubront pitched a decent but not great game, struggling at times. I suspect he made KC look better than they are. In a normal year, I feel like we'd be saying Felix is the feel-good story so far.

The Sox made it 11-5 in the eighth, when Cody Ross knocked in two runs with a triple. Then Middlebrooks went deep again. Bryce who?

The Royals put two men on in the eighth, but didn't score. I'll admit to worrying a little.

In the ninth, the Royals brought on Aaron Crow: 13 games, 11 strikeouts, five walks -- and one save. It sucks in the cellar. (It's well to remember that we are spoiled by not being Kansas City fans.  Of course it's also well to remember that KC was once a perennial contender.)

Valentine stuck with Padilla in the ninth (maybe he had to), and the call paid off. He allowed one runner and got the save.