David DeJesus went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI, including the eventual game-winner in the sixth, as the Royals slowed down the surging Red Sox, 4-3, in the opener of a four-game set. Boston came into the game winners in eight of its last nine and fresh off a three-game sweep of division-leader Tampa Bay, but Brian Bannister (4-3) held the Sox to three runs on nine hits over six frames to earn the win, the Royals’ second in a row after three straight losses. Robinson Tejeda and Blake Wood both hurled a perfect inning of relief to maintain a one-run lead in front of Joakim Soria, who retired the side in order in the ninth for his 12th save of the season. Daisuke Matsuzaka (3-2) allowed just two hits but tied a career- high with eight walks while being charged with three earned runs in the loss. The subpar start came five days after the right-hander had a no-hitter spoiled with four outs remaining against the Phillies. Bill Hall hit a solo shot and J.D. Drew went 3-for-4 with a run scored in defeat.
