Another lousy start from Andrew Miller last night, but the Red Sox firepower against the less-than-stellar Kansas City Royals pitching staff gave the hometown boys a 13-9 win.
More and more Miller might be better suited in the bullpen, as Kansas City tagged him for 7 runs in 3 2/3 innings. When Clay Buchholz returns, the Sox have a decision to make about Miller (or maybe by the trade deadline?).
Trivia Night kept me from watching most of the Red Sox' comeback win, but Dustin Pedroia once again was simply superb hitting in the cleanup spot. He had four hits (a homer short of the cycle), with 3 runs scored and an RBI. He is now 17-for-31 lifetime as a cleanup hitter.
David Ortiz was also 4-for-5, and had 3 doubles and 5 RBI. The Red Sox batted around in the 4th and 5th innings, with 12 of 13 batters in both frames reaching.
It marked the 10th straight game the Red Sox had double-digits in hits. It is also the 15th time this season the Sox have been double digits in runs, an MLB high.
Alfredo Aceves came on for Miller and went three solid innings for the win. New York beat the Seattle Mariners last night (doesn't everyone these days?) and sent them to their 17th straight defeat. The Red Sox still lead the East by two games.