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Youkilis tries to keep slugging against BoSox

Jul 18, 2012 - 2:46 PM (Sports Network) - Kevin Youkilis hopes to continue his onslaught on his former team this evening when the Chicago White Sox resume a four-game set with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Youkilis, dealt by Boston on June 24, has been showered with standing ovations throughout his return and has gone 4-for-8 with three extra-base hits so far in the series. On Tuesday, Youkilis belted a three-run home run and scored twice to help Chicago to a 7-5 win.

Alejandro De Aza knocked in a pair, while Paul Konerko and Alex Rios donated two hits and an RBI each for the White Sox, winners in seven of their last 10.

Activated from the 15-day disabled list prior to the game, Philip Humber (4-4) allowed six hits and two runs over six innings. The right-hander picked up his first win since June 16, the day before he was sidelined with a right elbow issue.

"Against a guy like (Jon) Lester, we knew there were going to be some tough at-bats," Humber said. "We grinded out at-bats and then Youkilis came up with a big hit there."

Kelly Shoppach hit a late pinch-hit, two run homer for the Red Sox, who had won two in a row. Carl Crawford added three hits, two runs scored and an RBI in defeat.

Lester (5-7) departed after just four frames, charged with seven hits and six runs.

"It keeps adding on and I'm getting tired of it," Lester said of his struggles. "I try to make adjustments, try to do the things I need to do, I'm just not getting results."

The White Sox tonight will turn to righty Pedro Hernandez, who will be making his big league debut in place of the injured Gavin Floyd. He was 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA while making 13 starts between stints with Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte.

Hernandez becomes the 10th White Sox starting pitcher this season and the 10th White Sox rookie to see the field this year.

Getting the call for the Red Sox tonight will be lefty Felix Doubront, who is 9-4 with a 4.41 ERA. Doubront beat the New York Yankees in his last start before the All-Star break, holding them to four runs (3 earned) and four hits in 6 1/3 frames.

Doubront bested the White Sox earlier in the year in his only other start against them. He gave up three runs and five hits in six innings of that one.

Boston has lost eight of nine at home to the White Sox, but is 4-2 overall this season against them.