Red Sox power up to support Lester

Kevin Youkilis hit two home runs, Dustin Pedroia hit a three-run shot, Jon Lester struck out a career-high 12 batters and the Boston Red Sox beat the Toronto Blue Jays, 8-2, on Sunday.

Jason Bay also hit a home run for the Red Sox, who tweaked their lineup to shake themselves out of a recent slump. Nine of Boston’s 11 hits were for extra bases.

“We scored early and then we added on,” Manager Terry Francona said. “That’s always a good way to play. We haven’t done that very much lately, but it was a very good day today.”

Lester (4-5) gave up one run and three hits in six innings. His strikeouts were the most by a Red Sox pitcher this season and the most by a Boston left-hander since Bruce Hurst struck out 14 against Oakland on May 5, 1987.

“I had a pretty good feel for my curveball today and threw a lot of changeups,” Lester said. “That’s big with this team. You’ve just got to keep a good mix, and you can’t let them look for one area or sit on a fastball.”