BOSTON, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- Jason Varitek hit his first career grand slam Thursday afternoon as Boston topped Kansas City, 11-9.
Varitek, who has an 11-game hitting streak, had five RBI and Edgar Renteria was 3-for-4 with four RBI for Boston -- which has won eight in a row and 12 of its last 15 games -- to move a season-best 17 games above .500 (62-45).
Winning pitcher Matt Clement rose to 11-3. He was shaky in his first start since taking a line drive off the head in his most recent outing, surrendering six runs and five hits in five innings with four walks and five strikeouts.
Curt Schilling recorded his eighth save.
In relief, loser Leo Nunez dropped to 2-2. Matt Stairs had three hits and scored three runs and Terrence Long had four RBI for Kansas City, which fell to 0-8 in its last eight games away from home.
