BOSTON — John Smoltz got his first win for Boston and Kevin Youkilis hit two home runs to lift the Red Sox over the Kansas City Royals, 15-9, on Saturday night.
Smoltz (1-2) struck out seven over five innings, giving up one run and four hits. He struck out four batters in a row over the second and third innings.
Coming off shoulder surgery that cut his 2008 season to six appearances, the 42-year-old Smoltz didn't make his first start until June 25 against Washington. He struggled with an 0-2 record and a 6.60 earned-run average in three previous appearances.
Gil Meche (4-9) left with two out in the fourth inning because of back spasms after he had given up seven runs -- five of them earned.
