Napoli breaks out with two hits against KC

KANSAS CITY -- Although they were handed a 9-6 loss by the Royals on Friday, the Red Sox took solace in the knowledge that Mike Napoli showed signs of coming out of his recent slump.

Napoli singled to right, launched a booming three-run double to center and reached two other times on a hit-by-pitch and a walk.

"I just got some hits," Napoli said. "I've been doing the same thing, trying to grind through at-bats and put a good [game] together."

For one night, at least, the extra hitting work that Napoli has put in paid dividends.

"I've just been trying to get on top of the ball and be on time," Napoli said. "It's a process and I've been putting in the work."

Manager John Farrell recently moved Napoli from the No. 5 slot to No. 6 in the batting order.