OAKLAND -- Saturday night in Los Angeles, Kevin Youkilis met Steve Garvey for the first time.

Tuesday night, he tied him in the record book.

Youkilis played his 193rd consecutive game at first base without an error, tying the major league mark held by Garvey, who played errorless ball for the Dodgers and San Diego Padres from June 26, 1983 through April 14, 1985.

"I was told [about the record] after the game,'' said Youkilis. "I didn't know. I guess it's a great thing. Hopefully I can carry [the streak] on for a long time.''

"Good for him,'' said manager Terry Francona. ``He plays an aggressive first base. This is not a fluke. He makes throws, scoops balls and is very active. I think what this does is bring some attention to him nationally, where we can brag him about him a bit.''

Youkilis's feat is particularly noteworthy because he came up as a third baseman and had to learn first base on the fly.

"I try to get better on a daily basis,'' said Youkillis, who added that it was a "great honor'' to be linked with a player of Garvey's status.