After losing three-of-four to the dismal Minnesota Twins, all looked lost for the Boston Red Sox and the 2012 season.

Then, they came to play on Monday night, dispatching the defending two-time American League champion Texas Rangers 9-2 at Fenway Park.

Aaron Cook certainly wasn't overwhelming, but he was very effective in his seven innings of work. The veteran was able to scatter six hits and three walks while allowing just one run.

Yu Darvish was very average. The Japanese import pitched 6.2 innings, but surrendered 11 hits and six earned runs. However, Darvish did strike out nine.

Darvish's biggest problem was in the forms of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, who both drove in a trio of runs on the evening.

Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury also had three hits apiece, helping to set the table in a big way.

Nelson Cruz had the lone multi-hit game for Texas, going 3-for-4 with two doubles.

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