Red Sox's Dustin Pedroia: Producing out of leadoff spot

Pedroia went 4-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI in Friday night's 6-3 loss to the Royals. He's increased his batting average 18 points, going 31-for-71 (.437) over the last 18 games.

Analysis:

Much of Pedroia's recent surge has occurred since becoming Boston's primary leadoff hitter. Atop the order this season, Pedroia is hitting .433/.458/.493 in 72 plate appearances.