Dustin Pedroia hit a single to score Jed Lowrie in the top of the fifth to give the Boston Red Sox a 4-3 lead over the Kansas City Royals.
The Royals made a valiant effort to even the score in the bottom of the sixth, but left Billy Butler and Johnny Giavotella on base as Sox starting pitcher Josh Beckett got out of the inning.
Beckett finished the sixth inning with 102 pitches and has 71 strikes on the night. Royals starter Luke Hochevar finished his night after the top of the sixth, having pitched 114 pitches, with 72 strikes.
For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.