Jon Lester is again too much for Kansas City, and Boston’s backup players are keys to a 6-1 victory.

Boston gets 13 hits, including former Sea Dog Ryan Lavarnway’s first in the majors, to win at Kansas City.

Josh Beckett continues his career-long mastery of Kansas City as Boston gets a needed win.

Jacoby Ellsbury launched a ball to the gap in right-center.

He did that often five years ago in Portland and the Hadlock Field crowd would erupt, Ellsbury sprinting around the bases with his gazelle-like stride . . .

BOSTON — All things considered, the Boston Red Sox had to consider themselves fortunate to split Tuesday’s day-night doubleheader with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Red Sox, playing both games without the injured David Ortiz and Marco Scutaro, and resting a banged-up and sore Kevin Youkilis in the second game, collected only six hits on the day.

With three hits in each game, they won the first 3-1 and fell 6-2 in the second.

“We didn’t get a lot of hits today. Fortunately we ended up getting a win in the first game, but they pitched us tough all day and the guy (today) will be real tough, too,” Boston Manager Terry Francona said, looking ahead at facing David Price in the series finale.

Charlie Furbush holds Boston’s potent lineup to one run in seven innings on the way to a 5-3 win.

Boston rallies to win 6-4 over the Seattle Mariners.