Game 151: David Ortiz leads Sox to big win over Royals

That split thing is still a possibility now.

Thanks to a 4-RBI night from David Ortiz, the Sox made easy work of the Royals -- without a comeback -- 9-2 on Wednesday night.

Josh Beckett started, but he certainly wasn't at his best. It helped he faced a less-dynamic offense, because in 6 innings of work, he gave up 12 hits (!) and allowed two runs. He struck out seven, while walking one.

Certainly not the most effective start from Beckett. Hopefully Beckett will get a rest towards the end of the season and we can see the guy we're used to in the playoffs. Because if he's allowing two hits per inning in the playoffs, the Sox are doomed.

Ortiz went 2 for 4 with four RBIs on the night. He had a three-run home run in the 9th to top off the Sox's scoring attack. Ortiz now has 25 home runs on the season ...wow. Did anyone really expect that? Ortiz has really turned around a season that started so poorly.

Dustin Pedroia, J.D. Drew and Alex Gonzalez all had two hits on the night as well. Hideki Okajima, Billy Wagner and Jonathan Papelbon all worked scoreless innings in relief.

One more with the Royals tonight at 8. Keep thinking split, ladies and gentlemen. Clay Buchholz will be on the hill tonight.