SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) – Jed Lowrie had another big game at the plate, hitting a two-run homer off Bronson Arroyo to lead the Boston Red Sox over the Cincinnati Reds 9-1 on Thursday night.

Arroyo was hit hard by his former team in the third inning. Lowrie’s second home run of the spring came with Rocco Baldelli on base. One out and one walk later, Chris Carter went deep.

Lowrie also doubled in the first, giving him a team-high 17 hits this spring.

Notes: Kevin Youkilis will miss the rest of the World Baseball Classic because of a sprained ankle, the latest in a wave of injuries that has plagued the United States squad. His absence left the Americans without many options at first as they prepare for the semifinals in Los Angeles this weekend.

Youkilis had an MRI at Boston Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Fla., and he was diagnosed with a mild left ankle sprain and mild Achilles’ tendinitis in his left foot.

He’ll wear a walking boot for several days but is not expected to miss significant playing time, the Red Sox said.

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