Sox take early lead

The Sox, looking to sweep the A's before heading out to Kansas City to begin a three-game set against the Royals Monday, took an early 1-0 lead in the first inning when Kevin Youkilis drove in Dustin Pedroia, who reached on a Wall Ball double, with a sharply-hit single to center off A's starter Dallas Braden.

Youkilis, who had a pair of homers in Saturday night's 12-2 demolition of the A's, extended his hitting streak to 10 consecutive games and now has 75 RBI on the season.

In the top of the inning, Jason Bay, newly acquired from the Pirates, continued to do no wrong when he fielded a hard hit grounder by Mark Ellis. Bay smartly played the carom and threw out Ellis at second.

It was a big lift to Sox starter Daisuke Matsuzaka, who seemed to scuffle early on.