BANDED IN BOSTON:Dustin Pedroia celebrates his home run in a 12-3 thumping of the Brewers at Fenway Park, after the Red Sox honored Zdeno Chara (above) and the Stanley Cup champion Bruins. (AP)

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Kevin Youkilis hit a three-run homer to highlight Boston’s six-run first inning and Tim Wakefield held Milwaukee to three hits over eight innings, carrying the Red Sox to a 12-3 triumph over the Brewers yesterday in Boston.

Dustin Pedroia had a solo homer and drove in two runs, and Marco Scutaro hit a two-run shot for the Red Sox, who won their 13th in 15 games.

Nyjer Morgan and Prince Fielder homered for Milwaukee, which dropped two of three games at Fenway Park this weekend and has lost five of seven overall since winning eight of 10.

Wakefield (4-2) only gave up Casey McGehee’s second-inning double besides the two homers in posting his 183rd career win with the Red Sox. He struck out six and walked one.

Rays 2, Marlins 1

In St. Petersburg, the Marlins lost both their manager and another game. James Shields threw a four-hitter with 10 strikeouts in his second consecutive complete game, Casey Kotchman had a tiebreaking single in the eighth inning and Tampa Bay handed reeling Florida its 10th straight loss.

Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez unexpectedly resigned before the game, and last-place Florida dropped to 1-18 in June. Bench coach Brandon Hyde managed yesterday, but the club will begin a search for an interim manager.

Mariners 2, Phillies 0

In Seattle, Jason Vargas tossed a three-hitter for his second shutout of the season, outdueling Philadelphia left-hander Cole Hamels. Vargas (5-4) not only kept pace with Hamels, he exceeded and outlasted him in his third career complete game. Hamels (9-3) was denied a chance at becoming the first pitcher in the majors to reach 10 wins.

Braves 4, Rangers 2

In Atlanta, Jason Heyward hit a two-run single in the third inning and Freddie Freeman added an RBI double in the seventh to help Jair Jurrjens earn his ninth victory for the Braves, as Texas dropped its ninth in 13 games. Jurrjens (9-3) allowed one run, seven hits, two walks and struck out four in 5 1/3innings. The right-hander lowered his NL-best ERA to 2.11.

Cardinals 5, Royals 4

In St. Louis, Albert Pujols sprained his left wrist trying to make a tag at first base, but the Cardinals recovered to beat the Royals on Skip Schumaker’s ninth-inning homer. Pujols, who went 3-for-3 with his 17th home run, was injured in the sixth and the three-time NL MVP left the game. He will be evaluated today.

Tigers 9, Rockies 1

In Denver, Justin Verlander threw a four-hitter for his second straight complete game, and Brennan Boesch and Miguel Cabrera each homered for Detroit.

White Sox 8, D’backs 2

In Phoenix, Phil Humber pitched effectively into the eighth inning, Paul Konerko homered for the third straight game and A.J. Pierzynski hit a three-run double to lift Chicago. Konerko’s homer matched Harold Baines for 56th on the career list with 384.

Indians 5, Pirates 2 (11)

In Cleveland, Cord Phelps hit his first major league homer in the 11th inning, a three-run shot that gave Cleveland a three-game sweep. Carlos Santana also connected and the AL Central leaders improved to 23-12 at home.

Athletics 2, Giants 1

In Oakland, Landon Powell hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth, his first homer of the season, to help the A’s complete a three-game sweep of the World Series champion Giants.

Twins 5, Padres 4

In Minneapolis, Drew Butera’s single scored Delmon Young in the bottom of the ninth as Minnesota rallied to extend its winning streak to seven games.

Orioles 7, Nationals 4

In Washington, Mark Reynolds had three hits, including a home run, to help Baltimore end Washington’s eight-game winning streak.

Reds 2, Blue Jays 1

In Cincinnati, Miguel Cairo hit a two-run homer in the sixth off Carlos Villanueva, ending the Reds’ streak of 16 scoreless innings.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Dodgers 1, Astros 0

In Los Angeles, Dioner Navarro homered off reliever Wilton Lopez in the eighth inning to help Los Angeles avoid a three-game sweep.