Kevin Youkilis Unloads First Homer, Points To Jeff Bagwell’s Example Of Snapping Slumps

by abournenesn

Apr 18, 2012

Kevin Youkilis Unloads First Homer, Points To Jeff Bagwell's Example Of Snapping SlumpsBOSTON –– Before the 6-3 loss, Bobby Valentine sensed progress. In the skipper's eyes, Kevin Youkilis was just one pitch, possibly one blooper away from returning to his All-Star form.

Turns out, Valentine was wrong about the blooper. In the bottom of the second, Youkilis crushed Derek Holland's 93 mph sinker into the stands for his first round-tripper of the season, possibly an omen for positivity.

"A guy told me that Jeff Bagwell once went 0-for-35 one year," said Youkilis, who entered the game hitting .176. "Jeff Bagwell did it and went on to hit 40 home runs that year. So the season doesn't end in April, it ends in September –– well actually October now. Got a long way to go."

During the offseason, the Red Sox third baseman refined his entire stance, opting to re-adapt his style from the 2008 season. He's leaned on hitting coach Dave Magadan for guidance along the way.

Youkilis' blast provided early run support for Josh Beckett. But for the second straight game, the Red Sox wasted the effort, allowing Mike Napoli to slug his third long ball of the series with four RBI.

The only positive that Valentine could point to was the bomb from Youkilis, who sputtered on Tuesday by striking out four times.

"It was great for Youk to get us on the board with a blast," Valentine said. "He's going to be a big part of our offense. It's just getting it going together."

With the 1-for-4 performance at the plate, Youkilis is now batting .184.

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