Crawford has big game in Red Sox win
Boston Red Sox's Carl Crawford rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians. (May 25, 2011) Credit: AP
Carl Crawford finally had the kind of game the Red Sox and Boston's fans have been waiting for.
Crawford, who has struggled badly in his first two months with the Red Sox, went 4-for-4 with two doubles, three runs and two RBIs and the Red Sox bludgeoned host Cleveland's Mitch Talbot for seven runs in the first inning in a 14-2 rout yesterday.
"I definitely feel better than I did before," said Crawford, who signed a seven-year, $142-million contract in December but hasn't played up to it through April and much of May. "It feels nice to contribute to a game where everyone contributes."
Dustin Pedroia hit a two-run homer in the first off Talbot (1-1), who came off the disabled list to make his first start since April 11. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a three-run homer, David Ortiz a solo shot and the Red Sox got a season-high 20 hits in the series finale to win two of three from the Indians, who have baseball's best record.
Red Sox starter Jon Lester (7-1) pitched six scoreless innings.
Mariners 3, Twins 0: Erik Bedard (3-4) threw six shutout innings and Franklin Gutierrez hit his first home run of the season for visiting Seattle. Minnesota has the worst record in the majors at 16-32 and the fewest runs with 164.
Rangers 2, White Sox 1: C.J. Wilson (5-3) pitched into the seventh inning and Ian Kinsler's RBI single produced the go-ahead run for host Texas.
Orioles 9, Royals 2: Adam Jones had two hits and two RBIs in an eight-run fourth inning as host Baltimore won its fourth straight.
Braves 4, Pirates 2: Brooks Conrad hit a pinch-hit two-run homer in the 11th inning for visiting Atlanta. Eric Hinske hit a solo homer for the Braves.
Brewers 6, Nationals 4: Zack Greinke (3-1) hit the go-ahead homer and struck out 10 in seven innings as host Milwaukee won its sixth straight.
Astros 2, Dodgers 1: J.R. Towles broke out of an 0-for-32 skid with three hits, including an RBI single with two outs in the ninth that won it for host Houston.
Padres 3, Cardinals 1: Chase Headley doubled home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth to back Mat Latos (2-6), who pitched eight strong innings. -- AP
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