Bard Loses Control, Red Sox Lose Game 6-4

Billy Butler's 3-run blast off reliever Matt Albers in the bottom of the 8th inning powered the Royals to a 6-4 win over the Red Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Daniel Bard pitched into the 8th inning but walked the 1st two batters of the inning before giving way to Albers.

Bard's control issues also led to a 3-run Royals 2nd inning. A walk, a pair of balks, and 3 base hits helped the Royals take an early 3-2 lead.

NOTES - Adrian Gonzalez celebrated his 30th birthday with his 3rd multi-hit game in his last 4 games.

Just hours after the sports talk stations were full of callers looking to jettison Kevin Youkilis in favor of rookie Will Middlebrooks, Nick Punto was subbed into the game for Middlebrooks who left with tightness in his hamstring.

With the loss, the Red Sox dropped to 8-7 on the road. Now if they could only win at home....

There's still no timetable for Jacoby Ellsbury's return, but his rehab work has progressed to agility drills.