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Red Sox hope for rebound effort versus Royals

Jul 26, 2011 - 2:35 PM (Sports Network) - The Boston Red Sox try to get back into the win column this evening when they continue their four-game set with the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox had their nine-game home winning streak stopped on Monday, as Mike Aviles dropped down a sacrifice bunt in the top of the 14th inning to knock in the winning run, lifting Kansas City to a 3-1 win.

Alcides Escobar lofted a sacrifice fly to center to plate an insurance run for Kansas City.

Louis Coleman (1-2) worked two innings in relief to earn his first career win while Joakim Soria worked around a leadoff double to earn his 18th save of the season and 150th of his career.

Eric Hosmer went 3-for-5 with a double, while Melky Cabrera collected four hits for the Royals, who have won five of their past six games.

"This is a long day. We're all tired but it's good to get this victory," Hosmer said.

Boston had plenty of chances to win the game, putting the potential winning run at third base in the ninth, 12th and 13th innings, but was unable to cash in on its opportunities.

Josh Reddick knocked in the only run of the game for the Red Sox with a second-inning double.

Randy Williams (0-1) gave up two runs in two innings to absorb the loss.

Dustin Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 22 games for the Red Sox, who had a four-game overall winning streak broken.

Jon Lester started for Boston and went 5 1/3 innings, giving up one run on seven hits in his first start since being placed on the disabled list on July 6 with a left latissimus strain.

"Felt like I hadn't pitched in two weeks. As far as the lat goes, I was fine. No pain, it was normal," Lester said.

Tonight, the Royals will pin their hopes on young left-hander Danny Duffy, who is 2-4 with a 4.58 ERA. Duffy defeated the Chicago White Sox last Tuesday, allowing two runs and five hits in seven innings.

This will be his first-ever start against the Red Sox, who will turn to lefty Andrew Miller. Miller won for the fourth time in five decisions on Wednesday in Baltimore, as he scattered two hits over 5 2/3 scoreless innings to lower his ERA to 4.65 on the year.

Miller is 0-2 in four games (two starts) against the Royals with a 10.61 ERA.

The Red Sox could be without Kevin Youkilis this evening after he was injured in the eighth inning of last night's loss when his right foot landed awkwardly while trying to beat out a ground ball.

The Red Sox narrowly eked out a 4-3 series win against Kansas City last season. Despite splitting the four games at Fenway, the Red Sox have actually won nine of the last 13 at home against the Royals.