Red Sox Give Cubs Rude Welcome Back to Fenway in 15-5 Win

By KC Downey in Featured, Red Sox, Top Story ⋅ May 21, 2011 at 1:19am ⋅ Post a comment

Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Youkilis (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)

For the first time since Game 6 of the 1918 World Series, the Cubs and Red Sox finally played each other again at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won 2-1 nearly 93 years ago in a game that took only 1:46 to complete. In Friday night’s “re-match,” the Red Sox piled up a little more offense. Just a little bit.

The Sox scored 15 runs on 19 hits, out-slugging the Cubs 15-5. Jon Lester allowed five runs in 6.0 innings but received the win despite allowing 12 hits. As of late, Lester has not been sharp. He has now allowed 14 runs in his last three starts (2-0).

Doug Davis, however, was much worse than his counterpart on Friday night. He was lit up for seven runs (all earned) on eight hits and three walks in 3.2 innings.

Mike Cameron was the only Red Sox regular who failed to record a hit. Everyone else had at least two, led by Adrian Gonzalez’s 4-6 effort. He finished with four RBI, while Kevin Youkils (3-5) added three more, including two of them on a massive HR over everything in left field in the fourth inning.

Dustin Pedroia busted out of his slump, going 2-4 with three runs scored and two walks. Meanwhile, Jacoby Ellsbury remained hot, going 3-6 with two runs scored and two RBI.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is quietly having a good stretch (his season average is up to .236), and he continued it Friday night with a 2-3 effort that included a double, home run, and two walks. He scored three times in all.

Even Carl Crawford got in on the act, going 1-5 with a two-run single in the eighth inning as the Red Sox blew it open off Jeff Samardzija. They scored five times in the frame to take a 10-run lead.

Scott Atchison tossed three scoreless innings of relief for his first career save.

Sox Stud of the Game: Kevin Youkilis

Youk provided the dagger in the fourth inning with a two-run shot to give the Red Sox a comfortable 8-2 lead. He went 3-5 in all with two doubles and the home run.

Sox Dud of the Game: Mike Cameron

Cameron did walk, but he went 0-3 and is only hitting .152 this season.

Game Notes:

W: Jon Lester (6-1)
L: Doug Davis (0-2)
SV: Scott Atchison (1)

Before the game, the Red Sox sent down Michael Bowden and Jose Igelsias to activate Dan Wheeler off the DL and call up outfielder Drew Sutton.
The Red Sox are 22-10 since starting 2-10. They have seven straight wins after Friday night’s victory.
On Sept. 11, 1918, the last time the Cubs came to Fenway, Babe Ruth was known more for his pitching (he was 2-0 in the World Series) and World War I was still going on.
The Cubs committed four errors.
Alfredo Aceves will start Saturday for the Red Sox as they sport their throwback uniforms.