The Sox had lost 6 of their last 7 games and were desperately looking for a strong pitching performance from Jon Lester. Lester delivered and then some.
In the last week, our bullpen has been really taxed and depleted. Lester took the mound and not only dominated the Blue Jays, but he threw a complete game shutout. Lester didn't give up a hit until the 6th inning when he gave up a double to Izturis. Lester was just on fire. That would be the only hit he'd give up for the entire game. Lester pitched 9 strong innings and was just amazing. His line for the night was 118 pitches, 9 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 0 BB and 5 Ks. Wowza.
As for the offense, for a long time Lester was clinging to a 1-0 lead while pitching a gem. The Sox scored the single run in the 2nd by way of a Jays error when Middlebrooks hit into what should be a groundout, but instead he was safe and Nava crossed the plate. The score would stay 1-0 until the 7th inning when the bats would finally give Lester some breathing room, not that he would need it. Pedey hit an RBI single to score Ellsbury. Sox 2-0. Papi and Napoli both struck out and it looked like the rally might end there, however Daniel Nava took to the plate and hit himself a 2 RBI double. Nava has continued to have himself quite the season. Sox 4-0. Salty came to the plate and hit an RBI double himself to score Nava. Sox 5-0.
The water was dirty and Lester's pitching was nasty.
(Photo Credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Red Sox 5 Blue Jays 0 BOXSCORE
WP: Lester (5-0) LP: Ortiz (0-1)
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