Game 124 - Red Sox 7, Royals 1

Making just his first start since July 31, Andrew Miller put together a workmanlike 5.1 innings for the Red Sox allowing one run on 3 hits and a pair of walks while striking out 3. For Miller, it was his 4th win of the season against 1 loss. Alfredo Alceves pitched the remaining 3.2 innings for his 2nd save of the season. He gave up one hit and one walk, with 3 strikeouts.

Boston's offense struggled early with the team leaving the bases loaded in the 1st and 3rd innings off Dustin Pedroia's human ID card Jeff Francis. Trailing 1-0 in the top of the 4th, the Red Sox bats finally produced a pair of runs on an RBI triple by Darnell McDonald and a sacrifice fly by Jacoby Ellsbury. Jarrod Saltalamacchia effectively put the game out of reach with a 3-run home run (12) in the top of the 5th inning.

In all, the Red Sox clubbed 13 hits including 3 by Mike Aviles and Jed Lowrie each, and 2 from Adrian Gonzalez. Rookie Ryan Lavarnway also collected his first Major League hit in the top of the 5th.

NOTES - Marco Scutaro and David Ortiz were both out of the lineup again tonight. Ortiz (right heel bursitis) was walking around without the protective boot on the field prior to the game; Scutaro (back pain) is expected back tomorrow.

Mike Aviles is 12-for-40 (.300) since joining the Red Sox.

Adrian Gonzalez' 3 hits broke an 0-14 slump.

Jacoby Ellsbury left the game in the bottom of the 8th inning after being hit with a pitch in the back in the top of the inning. He made a terrific running catch to rob Alex Gordon of an extra base hit in the bottom of the 3rd.