G48: Red Sox 2, Royals 1

Royals  - 000 000 100 - 1  5  0
Red Sox - 020 000 00x - 2  5  0

Masterson was superb yet again: 6.1-3-1-3-5, 91. ... Francona on post-game: Masterson promoted to Pawtucket!!

He allowed a two-out double in the first, a two-out HBP in the second, walks in the third and fourth that were quickly erased, a two-out double in the sixth -- but pitched out of trouble each time. (A leadoff walk in the seventh eventually scored.)

The Red Sox made their second inning rally -- Kevin Youkilis one-out single, J.D. Drew single, Jason Varitek BB, Julio Lugo sacrifice fly, Coco Crisp RBI double -- stand up.

Hideki Okajima had some trouble in the 8th: leadoff double, one-out walk, two-out walk. Jonathan Papelbon came on with the bases loaded and two outs -- and struck out Billy Butler. He then pitched a perfect 9th, a 3-1 grounder and two strikeouts.

***

A first inning throwing error by Derek Jeter allowed the Orioles to keep batting -- and they scored seven runs -- en route to a 12-2 victory over the Yankees. ... NYY = 7.5 GB.

***

Gil Meche (5.98, 71 ERA)+ / Justin Masterson (1.50, 286 ERA+)

Masterson's only other major league appearance was against the Angels at Fenway on April 24, 2008. Boston lost the game, but he put up an impressive 6-2-1-4-4, 95 line.

Tampa held off the A's in 13 innings last night to remain 1 GB. They play again at 10, while the last-place Yankees (6.5 GB) host the Orioles at 7.