Lester Strong But Bats Can't Keep Up In Shutout Loss (53-53)

Lester allowed 3 runs in 7 innings

Last night was a weird game for the Red Sox-- usually when they lose, it's because the pitching is awful or something along those lines. However, last night it was the offense and to add insult to injury, they got shut out by rookie Sam Deduno. The Red Sox put runners at first and second with two outs in the first on two walks but that was just about the only scoring chance they got. After two 1-2-3 innings to start the night for Lester, he ran into a bit of trouble in the third inning. Brian Dozier led off the inning with a single, but the next two hitters flew out and grounded out-- advancing him to second-- to leave him at second with two outs. Denard Span delivered with a double down the first base line to score Dozier. Span would score when Ben Revere delivered a bloop single into left field to make it 2-0.

However, he was tagged with the loss

It stayed scoreless until the sixth, when the Twins put together a two out rally. After recording two quick outs to start the frame, Lester got into some trouble when Justin Morneau doubled into the corner in left field. Morneau would score when Ryan Doumit doubled into right field to make it 3-0. Lester put together 1-2-3 seventh and eighth innings, but the eighth was his last inning as he exited with a line of 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 7 K. However, Alfredo Aceves ruined any chance of a close game when he entered the ninth inning. After striking out Justin Morneau to start things off, he walked Ryan Doumit. However, Doumit was promptly picked off to leave nobody on and two outs. He allowed a single to Danny Valencia, though, and Brian Dozier came up. Dozier delivered with a home run over the monster to make it 5-0 and ensure a loss for the Red Sox.

Bright Spots:
Jon Lester- 8 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 7 K, L (5-9)
Adrian Gonzalez- 2-3, 1 2B, 1 BB

Dull Spots:
Alfredo Aceves- 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 K
Jacoby Ellsbury- 0-4
Carl Crawford- 0-4, 1 K
Will Middlebrooks- 0-3, 2 LOB
Ryan Kalish- 0-3, 1 K
Pedro Ciriaco- 0-3, 1 K

Player of the Game:
Jon Lester- Despite being tagged with the loss, Lester gave his all last night and pitched very well with eight strong innings-- he is still having a rough year at 5-9/5.36/113 though.