Adrian Gonzalez spoils Kevin Youkilis' return to Fenway
Kevin Youkilis #20 of the Chicago White Sox looks away after Adrian Gonzalez #28 of the Boston Red Sox connected for a three-run home run in the 8th inning at Fenway Park. (July 16, 2012) Credit: Getty Images
BOSTON -- It was almost perfect for Boston Red Sox fans: They cheered Kevin Youkilis early in the game and enjoyed a late-inning rally by their team. A limping David Ortiz just put a bit of a damper on the nice night.
Adrian Gonzalez spoiled Youkilis' return to Fenway Park, hitting a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning of a 5-1 win over the Chicago White Sox Monday night.
The Red Sox traded Youkilis on June 24, sending the three-time All-Star and cash to Chicago for utilityman Brent Lillibridge and pitcher Zach Stewart. Youkilis went 3-for-4 with two doubles.
Youkilis was serenaded with chants of "Yooooouk" when he stepped to the plate in the first.
"It was a great ovation. It was just a cool thing from the fans," he said. "I can't thank them enough for all the support they've given me."
Carl Crawford returned to Boston's lineup after missing the entire season with left elbow and wrist injuries, going 1-for-3 with a walk.
The Red Sox received a scare when Ortiz came up limping after rounding second on Gonzalez's homer and limped badly all the way to the dugout.
Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Ortiz will have an MRI on his right Achilles today.
"He's little upset and a little sore, but it doesn't look he pulled anything or tore anything," he said. "It's probably going to be some days, though. It's that Achilles . . . I guess he's had it [injured] in the past."
Ortiz spoke briefly and was somewhat encouraged.
"Yeah, I got sore, but I didn't feel any pop, so that's a good sign," he said. "I iced it so it's not as bad as it was."
Crawford and Ortiz opened the eighth with consecutive walks against Leyson Septimo (0-1). Gonzalez then hit a drive into the seats above the Green Monster for just his seventh homer of the season.
Vicente Padilla (3-0) worked one inning for the win, and Alfredo Aceves finished the game.
Ortiz had a walk and single, giving him 10 straight with at least one hit and a walk to set a club record. Ted Williams held the previous mark, going nine straight in 1950.
-- AP
