MLB: Boston 15, Kansas City 9

BOSTON, July 12 (UPI) -- Kevin Youkilis homered twice and drove in four runs and scored four times Saturday, leading the Boston Red Sox to a 15-9 win over Kansas City.

Youkilis hit a two-run homer in the second and a solo shot in the eighth to go with an RBI single in the first.

Jason Varitek hit a solo homer in the third and scored three times, David Ortiz hit a two-run homer in the fourth and scored twice, Nick Green drove in two runs, Dustin Pedroia had two hits and one RBI, while J.D. Drew had one RBI for the Red Sox, who have won four of five.

The winner was John Smoltz (1-2). He went five innings, allowing one run on four hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.

Billy Butler led Kansas City with three hits and three RBI and Mike Jacobs had two hits, including a two-run homer. Jose Guillen had two hits, including a solo homer, and two RBI, while Ryan Freel added one RBI for the Royals, who have lost four of five.

The losing pitcher was starter Gil Meche (4-9). He allowed eight runs on six hits with three walks and six strikeouts over 3 2/3 innings.