"David Ortiz found inspiration watching Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia open the Red Sox half of the first inning with back-to-back solo home runs.

Ortiz acted on his awakening by jacking a fourth-inning grand slam that broke open last night's 12-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals before 38,329 at Fenway Park.

Ortiz' slam upped his season totals to 20 homers with 68 RBI and made him the sixth Sox player to drive in 1,000 runs.

"I think Ellsbury and Pedroia, they are making it tough on everybody else," said Ortiz. "What they are doing at the top of the lineup is just ridiculous. They put so much pressure on the pitcher and I'm sure that gets you (pitcher) out of control a little bit."

Ortiz enjoyed his finest effort since the All-Star game on Tuesday night. The lumbering DH belted a career high three doubles — two to left and one to center — and tied his personal bests for hits (four) and RBI (five).

"I've been having, especially this past month, a lot of issues with the playing time thing," said Ortiz. "Interleague, All-Star game, suspension and other stuff and I'm ready to play every day."

Ortiz couldn't do much with KC starter Bruce Chen in his first two appearances. He stalled a first-inning rally by striking out and opened the third with a fly ball to right."