Boston, MA (Sports Network) – Kevin Youkilis’ sacrifice fly in the 11th inning gave the Boston Red Sox a 3-2 win over the Texas Rangers in the third contest of a four-game set from Fenway Park.
With Alexi Ogando (3-1) on the mound, Marco Scutaro led off the 11th with a walk. Darnell McDonald then laid down a bunt that Ogando fielded, but his rushed throw to second went off of Scutaro and into the outfield, putting runners at second and third. After an intentional walk to David Ortiz, Darren O’Day took the mound, and Youkilis lofted a fly ball to center that allowed Scutaro to score with ease for the win.
Youkilis went 2-for-4 and tied the game in the ninth with an RBI double, while Ortiz drove in the other run for the Red Sox, who had dropped three of four.
John Lackey went seven innings in the start and was charged with two runs on seven hits with a pair of walks and three strikeouts. Manny Delcarmen (3-2) got the win for throwing a flawless 11th inning.
Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz each had two hits and an RBI for the Rangers, who have lost five of seven. Cliff Lee made his second start in a Texas uniform and again went nine innings as he was charged with two runs on six hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
Boston got on board in the first as McDonald hit a one-out double and came home when Ortiz followed with a single for a 1-0 lead.
Lee retired 11 straight batters before Mike Cameron doubled with one out in the fifth, but he was stranded there as Bill Hall struck out and Kevin Cash looked at strike three to end the inning.
Texas went ahead in the sixth inning. With two outs, Ian Kinsler kept the frame alive with a single and Vladimir Guerrero followed with a walk. Hamilton and Cruz then hit consecutive RBI singles for a 2-1 lead.
Lee set Boston down in order in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings, but the Red Sox rallied in the ninth inning to tie the game.
Scutaro led off with a single, moved to second on McDonald’s sac bunt, went to third on Ortiz’s groundout and then came home when Youkilis drilled a double to left.