The Boston Red Sox got an insurance run on Kevin Youkilis’ RBI double to take a 2-0 lead over the Rays in the top of the eighth inning of Game 1 of the American League Championship Series tonight at Tropicana Field.

Youkilis hit a sharp line drive to left field off Rays reliever J.P.Howell that glanced off the glove of a diving Carl Crawford to score Dustin Pedroia from second base. Youkilis had three of Boston’s seven hjits through eight innings.

Crawford broke well on the ball and appeared to have a chance to make the catch, but the ball skipped off the end of his glove as he dove and rolled into the left field corner as Pedroia rounded third and scored easily.

Pedroia reached on a single that chased Rays starter James Shields. Shields allowed six hits in 7 1/3 innings, striking out six and walking two while allowing two runs, both earned.

The Red Sox eventually loaded the bases when David Ortiz walked and Grant Balfour hit J.D. Drew with a pitch after replacing Howell, but Mark Kotsay popped out to third baseman Evan Longoria to end the top of the eighth.