Red Sox Repel Royals, 15 to 9

KANSAS: 0 0 0 0 1 5 1 2 0 - 9 13 3

BOSTON: 3 3 1 2 0 0 3 3 x - 15 12 1

Terry, Terry, Terry! Why didn't you keep Smoltz in the game longer? He should have stayed through the seventh, then bring in the relief. Based on the first game of this series, you know that the Kansas City Royals can come back and win. If they aren't scoring on Smoltz, don't bring in a new pitcher until the late innings, if at all. Don't want a repeat of last month's Baltimore Orioles rain delayed game. Fortunately, the Boston Red Sox bats were on fire today and they slugged their way to leading the series at Fenway Park. Congratulations John Smoltz on your first win as a Red Sox pitcher! Jason's longball today tied the number of homeruns he had all last year. Boston will play their last game before the All-Star break tomorrow and hope to end with a series win against the Royals.

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KANSAS: Starting Pitcher: Gil Meche, Losing Pitcher: Gil Meche

BOSTON: Starting Pitcher: John Smoltz, Winning Pitcher: John Smoltz (1)

KANSAS: Homeruns: Mike Jacobs, Jose Guillen

BOSTON: Homeruns: Kevin Youkilis (15, 16), Jason Varitek (13), David Ortiz (12)

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RED SOX: Wins: 53, Losses: 34, AL East Standings: Boston, New York, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Baltimore

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Next game: Sunday 12 July 2009, 10:35 a.m. PT, Kansas City Royals, Fenway Park, Josh Beckett