Pedroia’s four hits spark the Red Sox

BOSTON -- Dustin Pedroia was four for four for the second consecutive game and got plenty of help from a makeshift lineup as the Boston Red Sox pounded Chicago’s pitching again in an 8-2 victory Saturday night.

The 5-foot-7 second baseman took over the American League lead with a .327 batting average. And he did it from the cleanup spot, the first time last year’s rookie of the year batted there in the majors. Kevin Youkilis, who usually hits fourth, sat out because of illness.

“A lot of people talk about Manny [Ramirez] leaving,” Chicago Manager Ozzie Guillen said before the game. “I wish Pedroia was leaving.”

Guillen had seen enough by the time Pedroia batted in the ninth and walked him intentionally.

Mark Kotsay, obtained from Atlanta on Wednesday, was three for four with three runs batted in and Jeff Bailey, who spent most of the season in the minors, hit his first homer of the season.

Michael Bowden (1-0) left his first major league start after five innings with Boston leading, 5-2.