BOSTON — It was almost perfect for Boston Red Sox fans: They cheered Kevin Youkilis early in the game and enjoyed a late-inning rally by their team.

Youkilis returned to Fenway Park and went 3 for 4 with two doubles Monday night in his first game in Boston since being traded to the Chicago White Sox. But Adrian Gonzalez hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the eighth inning to power the Red Sox to a 5-1 win.

The Red Sox traded the popular Youkilis on June 24, sending the three-time All-Star and cash to Chicago. Boston got utilityman and former Washington Husky Brent Lillibridge, and a minor league pitcher.

Youkilis was serenaded with chants of "Yooooouk!" when he stepped to the plate in the first.

"It was a great ovation. It was just a cool thing from the fans," he said. "I can't thank them enough for all the support they've given me."

Youkilis removed his helmet and turned to all corners of the ballpark to acknowledge the standing ovation, which lasted more than a minute.

He lined a single to center, and later headed to third on Adam Dunn's ground out when the bag was left uncovered. Youkilis then dashed home when first baseman Gonzalez threw the ball into left field for an error.

It was the sort of hustle play Red Sox fans grew accustomed to from Youkilis during the 33-year-old's 7 ½ seasons with the club.

The fans chanted his nickname again, but it was Chicago's only run.

"There's no regrets," Youkilis said after the game about his years in Boston. "I had a lot of fun and won two World Series. ... Some guys can't even say they won one."

The Red Sox received a scare when David Ortiz came up limping after rounding second base on Gonzalez's homer and limped badly all the way to the dugout.

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Ortiz will have an MRI on his right Achilles on Tuesday.

Outfielder Carl Crawford returned to Boston's lineup after missing the entire season with left elbow and wrist injuries, going 1 for 3 with a walk.

Reds' Votto needs knee surgery

CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto will have surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee, leaving the NL Central leaders without their best hitter for the next three to four weeks.

The 2010 National League MVP hurt the knee while sliding into third base on June 29 in San Francisco, but has continued playing. Votto started for the NL in the All-Star game last Tuesday.

A medical exam Monday night detected the tear. Votto will have arthroscopic surgery Tuesday.

Votto is batting .342 with 14 homers and 49 runs batted in. He leads the NL in doubles, walks, on-base percentage and extra-base hits.

Notes

• Phillies RHP Roy Halladay, out seven weeks with a strained lat muscle, will come off the disabled list to start Tuesday against the Dodgers.

• Giants 3B Pablo Sandoval, accused last month of sexually assaulting a woman he met at a bar, won't be charged, the Santa Cruz district attorney said.

• Rockies RHP Juan Nicasio had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and is likely out for the season.