BOSTON -- Imagine if Kevin Youkilis played here all the time.
The former Boston Red Sox star continued to torment his old team in his return to Fenway Park on Tuesday night. Youkilis reached base twice, including a three-run home run in support of Philip Humber as the White Sox downed the Red Sox 7-5 in front of 37,771. The victory was Humbers first since June 16 and helped the White Sox increase their lead in the American League Central to 3 12 games over the Detroit Tigers.
One night after he pummeled them for three hits, including two doubles, Youkilis continued his assault on the team that traded him to the White Sox last month after 8 12 seasons. Youkilis started a two-run rally in the first inning with a one-out walk against Boston starter Jon Lester (5-7) and later scored on Paul Konerkos RBI double.
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But Youkilis real damage arrived in the fourth inning with runners on second and third and two outs in a one-run game. After falling behind Youkilis 3-0 in the count, Lester elected to pitch to the two-time All-Star with first base open and threw two strikes. Lesters next pitch, however, was up and over the middle and Youkilis crushed it over the Green Monster to give the White Sox a commanding 6-2 lead.
As he rounded the bases, Youkilis unbelievably continued to receive more Youk chants and cheers from Red Sox fans.
Alejandro De Aza, who earlier had an RBI double, gave Humber and the White Sox even more room to breathe in the sixth with an RBI single.
Humber knew just what to do with the big lead even after he got off to a shaky start. The right-hander, who was activated off the disabled list prior to the game, threw strikes on 71 of 104 pitches in his first start since June 16.
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Out of the gate, Humber yielded two singles and three hits and looked like he might not survive the first inning. But he settled in to retire 17 of the last 21 batters he faced and didnt issue a walk.
Humbers outing was a big lift for the White Sox, who placed Gavin Floyd on the DL Tuesday with tendinitis in his right elbowforearm. Though Floyd could be back as soon as Monday, the White Sox are in need of experienced pitchers. John Danks is also on the DL and no timetable for his return has been established.
The Red Sox rallied for three runs in the eighth inning against Matt Thornton. Carl Crawford, who singled three times, scored on Will Middlebrooks RBI single and Kelly Shoppach followed with a two-run homer.
Alex Rios went 2-for-4 with an RBI for the White Sox. Addison Reed pitched a perfect ninth inning to record his 15th save in 17 tries.