Red Sox rookie Will Middlebrooks, called up last week when Kevin Youkilis went on the disabled list, hit a three-run homer in the first inning and a two-run homer in the eighth, to help the Red Sox end a five game losing streak with an 11-5 win over the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
David Ortiz and Justin Pedroia also homered for Boston who jumped on Royals starter Jonathan Sanchez for six runs in three innings. The Royals were in the game late despite the quick start by Boston. Down 7-5 in the bottom of the seventh, Red Sox starter Felix Doubront was lifted with the bases loaded and one out. Vicente Padilla got Billy Butler to bounce into an inning ending double play. Boston tacked on four more runs in the eighth.