Will, Papi & Youk Power Sox Past Tigers

David Ortiz (pictured), Will Middlebrooks each hit 2-run home runs in a 4-run Red Sox 4th inning, and Kevin Youkilis smacked a solo shot in the 8th as Boston topped the Tigers for the 3rd straight game 6-4 at Fenway Park.

Jon Lester pitched 6.2 innings; he was charged with 4 runs on 10 hits. He struck out 7 and didn't walk a batter. Matt Albers got the win in relief (blown save) and Alfredo Aceves earned his 13th save with a 1-2-3 9th inning.

NOTES - Matt Albers, who recorded his 1st win of the year, has allowed 5 of 15 inherited runners to score in 2012.

The Red Sox have won 14 of their last 19 games and have the best record in the majors since May 11.

Boston came into the game leading the majors with 192 extra base hits; they added 5 more on the home runs by Ortiz, Middlebrooks and Youkilis, plus doubles by Adrian Gonzalez and Daniel Nava.

With Tampa Bay and Baltimore (tied for 1st) having already lost, the Red Sox are just 2 games behind the AL East leaders.