WASHINGTON -- Jason Bay is big in Boston.

And on Tuesday night, he was even bigger in Washington.

His 4-for-6 performance against the Nationals, including a home run, three singles, three runs scored and three RBI, increased his average to .286 and helped Boston to an 11-3 victory. He also leads the league with 69 RBI.

He's been a menace in the middle of the order, and it doesn't matter if he's hitting in the No. 4 or 5 hole, Bay has been producing.

"I'm not doing anything different," he said. "I got off to a good start and I know my June hasn't been as good as April and May, but I maintained the whole time that I wasn't going to hit .350 and 80 home runs. When the hits aren't coming, if I can still chip in with a sac fly, or an RBI groundout, if I can contribute that way because ultimately in the spot I'm in the lineup, I get paid to drive in runs. That's what I take pride in."

Manager Terry Francona and teammates have come to expect that from their left fielder.

"He's doing a heck of a job," said Francona. "He shows up every night and seems to get big hits. You just wind him up and let him go. He does a great job."

jmcdonal@projo.com