Red Sox Blow by Blue Jays 8-4

BOSTON – Kevin Millar and Orlando Cabrera each drove in two runs, and former Gold Glove first baseman Doug Mientkiewicz made his first career start at second base in the Boston Red Sox’s 8-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday night.

In an unusual move by manager Terry Francona to load Boston’s lineup with left-handed hitters, Mientkiewicz played second for the second time since coming to the majors in 1998. The 2001 Gold Glove winner at first base for Minnesota, had played second for a total of one inning – last season.

Mientkiewicz had a rough introduction, getting plowed over and knocked to the ground by Carlos Delgado’s elbow after fielding Frank Catalanotto’s second-inning grounder. Delgado broke up a potential double play. Otherwise, Mientkiewicz handled one other chance flawlessly – starting a double play.

Derek Lowe (11-10) allowed four runs – three earned – in seven innings for the win. Keith Foulke got six outs for his 20th save in 25 chances.

The Red Sox broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the fourth on a sacrifice fly by Jason Varitek and an RBI single by Cabrera.

Millar’s two-run double made it 5-1 and knocked out starter Justin Miller (1-2) in the fifth. Dave Roberts walked, Manny Ramirez doubled and Ortiz was intentionally walked, loading the bases before Millar hit a liner high off the Green Monster.

The Blue Jays capitalized on Cabrera’s second error of the game for an unearned run in a three-run seventh that cut it to 5-4. Cabrera was booed when he stumbled on Gabe Gross’ grounder for an infield hit in the inning.

Johnny Damon hit a two-run triple and Roberts an RBI double to make it 8-4 in the eighth.

Boston took a 1-0 in the second when Ortiz doubled, advanced on a fielder’s choice and scored on Cabrera’s sacrifice fly.

Toronto tied it in the fourth on Vernon Wells’ RBI single after Orlando Hudson singled and stole second.

Miller gave up five runs – four earned – and six hits in 4 1-3 innings.

Notes:@ The Blue Jays are 4-12 in August, the most losses this month in the AL. … It was Miller’s second start since coming off the disabled list on Aug. 4 after being sidelined with a right hamstring injury. … Lowe drilled Delgado with a pitch on his backside, leading off the seventh, but the slugger dropped his bat and headed to first without incident. … Most of the game was played in a light rain.