A five-run lead wasn’t enough for the Royals in an 11-9 loss at Fenway Park Thursday. Kansas City got things going early by building a 5-0 lead by the second inning.
Matt Stairs gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead in the first with an RBI single. The Royals exploded for four runs in the top of the second inning to take the five-spot. The Royals loaded the bases before Emil Brown was hit by a pitch to score the first run of the rally. Then, Terrence long stepped to the plate and cleared the bases with a three-run double to make it 5-0.
But the Red Sox, who overcame a 4-0 deficit to Kansas City on Tuesday and a one-run disadvantage on Wednesday, weren’t ready to roll over and die.
Edgar Renteria got Boston on the board in the bottom of the third with an RBI double. Then, in the fourth inning, the flood gates opened for Boston, but the Royals helped to open those gates. Boston scored eight runs in the inning off five walks, two errors and two hits.
Jason Varitek scored the first run of the mammoth rally when Royals second baseman Ruben Gotay threw wide to first base. Renteria struck again with a three-run double to get the Red Sox within one. Boston then re-loaded the bases and Varitek drove them all in with a grand slam to make it 9-5.
D.J. Carrasco was only charged with one earned run, though he gave up five on his watch. He allowed one hit and seven walks. Leo Nunez, who replaced Carrasco in the fourth inning was charged with four runs and got the loss.
Red Sox starter Matt Clement (11-3) was the winner in five innings of work, while Curt Schilling got his eighth save.
The Royals, who were swept, have now lost seven in a row.