Billy Butler hit a three-run homer to highlight the Kansas City Royals four-run fourth as they hold on to beat the Boston Red Sox 4-3 Thursday afternoon for a split in their four-game series at Fenway Park.

The Royals score the four runs after the Sox plate two in the bottom of the third. Dustin Pedroia hit a solo homer in the eighth to extend his hit streak to 25 games to cut the margin to one.

Royals starter Luke Hochevar picks up the win, allowing two runs on six hits over seven innings, striking out six and walking just one. Hochevar left with a 4-2 lead after retiring 14 of the final 16 batters he faced.

Boston scores 25 runs in their two wins in the series while the Royals score only seven in their two victories.

Kansas City is now on to Cleveland for a weekend series starting Friday with Jeff Francis pitching. Royals pre-game at 5:30pm or following Hays Eagles baseball on KAYS (1400-AM).