Burks Homers in Boston Homecoming

Ellis Burks had not received a standing ovation at Fenway Park in a long time. The veteran center fielder, who had spent his entire career with the Red Sox, signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox in January.

But Friday night, Boston fans welcomed Burks back with applause. And they stood and cheered again after Burks hit a home run against Danny Darwin (0-2) to start the White Sox on their way to a 9-4 victory.

Burks, who came up with the Red Sox in 1987, had an injury-shortened 1992 season for Boston and was one of the scapegoats for the team’s last-place finish.

“I didn’t know what to expect,” Burks said of his return. “I thought it might be a few cheers and a few boos. I was thinking about it all winter.

“The fans showed they appreciated the years I spent here, and that meant a lot to me.”

Ron Karkovice and Robin Ventura also hit home runs for the White Sox as Jack McDowell (3-0) became the first American League pitcher to win three games.

McDowell gave up four runs in seven innings and sent the Red Sox to their first home defeat. McDowell has won 10 consecutive April starts.