Jon Lester took the mound and continued his climb back to dominance with another nice performance. Lester was also helped out by some nice performances from Nick Punto and Pedro Ciriaco. That is probably not how you would have written in up in April, but then again…is anything this year?
Jon Lester took the mound against the Yankees looking for his 2nd win in a row. Thankfully Lester took the mound with 2 runs already in his pocket when Gonzo hit a 2 run HR in the top of the first. Sox 2-0. Lester started out the outing letting the first 2 Yankees on, however he got the next 3 outs and was out of the inning. Lester didn’t give up a run until the bottom of the 4th when he gave up a solo HR to Granderson. Sox 2-1. In the top of the 5th, the Sox got that run right back for Jonny. Pedro Ciriaco got on with a single and then scored on an RBI double from Nick Punto. Sox 3-1. Lester just kept on trucking and pitched 7 strong innings. It’s great to see that Lester back and I hope we continue to for the rest of the season. Lester’s line for the night was 105 pitches, 7 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB and 4 Ks. Bailey came out in the 8th and got an out, however when he gave up a single to Swisher he was replaced with Craig Breslow. Breslow was able to get Cano to ground into a double play and the inning was over. In the top of the 9th, the Sox gave closer Alfredo Aceves even more breathing room when they added another insurance run. Scotty Pods singled, Ciriaco doubled and then on a wild throw Podsednik scored. Sox 4-1. Aceves would not need any of the insurance and had himself a nice scoreless inning. Aceves gave up a single to Chavez to start the inning, but then retired the next 3 Yankees in order to record his 25th save of the season.
The Yankees have to be getting sick of seeing Pedro Ciriaco. He really is becoming quite the Yankee killer. He’s had so many multiple hit games against the Yanks. Last night, Ciriaco was an average 4 for 4 at the plate. And let’s not forget about Nick Punto who had himself not only a nice night at the plate, but also a pretty great game in the field. He definitely helped Lester out making a bunch of nice plays at 3rd base.
Buch is looking like an ace lately. Lester is showing a return to ace form. Beckett…it’s your turn!
Red Sox 4 Yankees 1 BOXSCORE
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