Middlebrooks credits hot start to approach at plate

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KANSAS CITY -- While heralded rookies such as Bryce Harper and Mike Trout may be getting more publicity, Will Middlebrooks is doing just as much -- or more -- damage.

Middlebrooks belted two homers, added a double and collected five RBI in the Red Sox' 11-5 win over the Kansas City Royals.

In the last two days, Middlebrooks has three homers and nine RBI. He's hit safely in each of the first four games he's played in the majors and has at least one extra-base hit in all four, something only three other players have accomplished since 1918.

"Those were three impressive swings," said manager Bobby Valentine, noting that one homer was to left, another to right and the double was to straightaway center. "He's been an impressive player so far."

"I'm really comfortable up there," said Middlebrooks in what surely was a grand bit of understatement. "I'm just trying to carry over what I started in Pawtucket this year."

And indeed, Middlebrooks is bashing major league pitching in much the same way he hit Triple-A pitching in April. Monday night was a textbook example of a young hitter using the entire field.

"It's kind of come with developing my approach," said Middlebrooks, "and sticking with it. With certain guys, I'll look away, or if I know a guy is going to come in with a certain pitch, I'll look for that and if I get it, I try not to miss it."

Middlebrooks hasn't missed much. He's 8-for-21 (.381) with six extra-base hits and nine RBI in his first four games since the Red Sox placed veteran third baseman Kevin Youkilis on the disabled list with a lower back injury.

"I'm happy (with the start)," said Middlebrooks. "I wanted to come here and (not worry about) individual results; I wanted to do what I can to help the team win games."

The three-run homer in the first went a long way in giving the Red Sox a boost after a demoralizing, 17-inning defeat on Sunday.

Kansas City starter Jonathan Sanchez tried to go away on Middlebrooks with his first pitch in the first, but the rookie pounced and drove it out to right.

"I felt like he was going to go away," said Middlebrooks. "I watched a lot of video on him and I felt like that's how he approached guys."

Watching Middlebrooks have this sort of immediate success, it's almost hard to believe that he was in the minors a week ago.

"It's been a quick change," he said. "But I love it, for sure. This is where we all want to be, ultimately. It's been a lot of fun and (my teammates) have really made me feel comfortable."

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