Youk Says Goodbye As Sox Win 9-4

With all due respect to Dustin Pedroia, for much of the past 9 seasons, Kevin Youkilis was the heart and soul of the Boston Red Sox. He played hard, he played hurt, and will be forever remembered by Red Sox fans for his unique stance in the batter's box and the perspiration pouring down from under his batting helmet.

Sunday, Youkilis (pictured) hit an RBI triple in the 7th inning and was lifted for a pinch runner, allowing both fans and players to acknowledge one another one final time at Fenway Park in a 9-4 Boston win over the Atlanta Braves.

Cody Ross provided much of the offensive power Sunday afternoon, driving in 5 runs with a pair of home runs to left field. Adrian Gonzalez, who can now rest assured his days in right field are probably behind him, went 2-for-3 with a home run.

Aaron Cook got the win; he allowed 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits over 5 innings.