Red Sox avoid sweep with easy 9-3 victory

A.J. Burnett’s woes against the Red Sox at Fenway continued on Sunday Night Baseball, as he was rocked for nine runs (eight earned) and ate his first loss of the year. Red Sox starter Jon Lester finally quieted the Yankees’ high-voltage offense, as he turned in an impressive seven-inning performance in the 9-3 win.

Quick ‘Cap:
This really was one of the most boring games to watch because the Red Sox took control early. In the third inning, Boston rallied for five runs to make it 6-0. Kevin Youkilis had an RBI double in the fourth and Jeremy Hermida ended Burnett’s day with a two-run homer in the fifth.

On the bright side, recent call-up Romulo Sanchez saved the bullpen with 3 2/3 shutout innings in relief. He used a 95 MPH fastball, an 82 MPH changeup and occasionally an 84 MPH curveball to blank the Sox. J.D. Drew had the lone hit off him.

Nick Swisher and Alex Rodriguez hit solo shots in the fourth inning, but that was all Lester allowed. Jorge Posada struck out in the eighth to end the final push at a comeback. Yankees-Red Sox box score.

Thoughts:
Burnett has now allowed 31 runs in 22 innings pitched at Fenway as a Yankee. Ouch! His ERA for the season almost went up a run and a half (1.99 to 3.40).

Line of the Night:
Sanchez: 3 2/3 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 3 K.

Up Next:
The Yankees take on Johnny Damon, Austin Jackson, Phil Coke and the Detroit Tigers on Monday to open a four-game set. Should be fun.