Game 128 - Red Sox 11, Rangers 5

With Jacoby Ellsbury back in the lineup at the leadoff spot for the first time since being hit by a pitch on Friday in Kansas City, the Red Sox scored a first-inning run for the first time in 17 games en route to a 11-4 win over the Texas Rangers. John Lackey pitched 6.2 innings allowing 4 runs (all earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks while striking out 5. Lackey's record improved to 12-9 on the season; his career record against Texas is now 12-13 and 7-6 at Rangers Ballpark.

The Red Sox scored a pair of runs in each of the 1st three innings off Texas starter Colby Lewis. Adrian Gonzalez went deep twice for Boston, his 19th and 20th round trippers of the season. Marco Scutaro and Dustin Pedroia put the game out of reach with 2-run, 2-out doubles in the top of the 8th inning.

The Red Sox used four pitchers - Lackey, Franklin Morales, Alfredo Aceves, and Dan Wheeler who pitched the 9th inning and allowed a home run to Ian Kinsler. For Kinsler it was his 4th home run in 5 games against the Red Sox.

NOTES -

Game time temperature was right around 106 degrees. It was a balmy 98 in the top of the 8th inning. Would you prefer that or the earthquake the Eastern seaboard experienced this afternoon?

David Ortiz ran for about 5 minutes prior to the game. There was a possibility he could have pinch hit tonight if the situation warranted. He could be back in the lineup for Wednesday's game.

The win moves the Red Sox into a virtual tie with the Yankees who lost, although New York does have a 1-game lead in the loss column.

Red Sox minor league outfielder Ryan Kalish was placed on the disabled list again with shoulder inflammation. This latest injury could affect whether Kalish is placed on the expanded roster September 1.