Kevin Youkilis hit a two-run home run off of Mike Parisi in the bottom of the 13th inning to lift the Boston Red Sox to a 5-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

Mike Lowell led off the inning with a single off Parisi (0-3) before Youkilis hit Parisis 3-1 offering over the left-field wall.

The Red Sox avoided being swept in a series at home for the first time since losing two games to the Blue Jays last April 23-24.

The Cardinals had a chance to take the lead in the top of the 13th off Javier Lopez (2-0), but Chris Duncan was thrown out at home plate by Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew.