KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 11 (UPI) -- Jason Varitek smashed a pair of homers and Josh Beckett bettered Zack Greinke in a duel of aces Saturday as the Boston Red Sox downed Kansas City 8-3.
Varitek's blasts were among five homers by the Red Sox. Boston also got big days at the plate from Jacoby Ellsbury, who went 3-for-5 with an RBI, as well from Dustin Pedroia, who collected a home run and three RBI.
Jeremy Hermida and Kevin Youkilis each hit solo homers for the Bosox, while Beckett (1-1) rebounded from a poor Opening Day start by scattering three runs on nine hits and one walk in seven innings, helping Boston halt a three-game losing streak.
Royals Cy Young winner Greinke (0-1) was touched for four runs on eight hits in 6 2/3 innings while Rick Ankiel notched two hits and an RBI in the defeat.
