ST. LOUIS (AP) _ Jonny Gomes wasn’t supposed to be in the Boston Red Sox’ starting lineup for Game 4 of the World Series. But an injury to Shane Victorino allowed Gomes to provide the biggest hit as the Bosox tied the Fall Classic at two games apiece.
Gomes blasted a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the sixth inning to lead Boston to a 4-2 triumph over the Cardinals in St. Louis. He was inserted into the starting lineup once Victorino was scratched due to lower back tightness.
David Ortiz provided three of the Red Sox’s six hits and scored twice, including once on Stephen Drew’s sacrifice fly.
The Red Sox’s bullpen came through with five innings of strong relief, limiting the Cardinals to one run and three hits. Felix Doubrant worked 2 2/3 innings to get the victory in relief of Clay Buchholz, who allowed an unearned run and three hits in four frames.
Koji Uehara worked a scoreless ninth and ended the game by picking off pinch-runner Kolten Wong at first base.
Cardinals starter and losing pitcher Lance Lynn was lifted with two outs in the sixth, one batter before Gomes went deep off Seth Maness. Lynn was reached for three runs and three hits.
Game 5 is Monday in St. Louis. Jon Lester will start for the Red Sox against Adam Wainwright in a rematch of Game 1, which was won by Boston 8-1.