At first pitch, the temperature at the ballpark was a balmy 102 degrees. Jonny Lester got the assignment to go out there in that soup and pitch for the Red Sox…and since we burned our whole bullpen in the previous game, Lester had the assignment to go as long in the game as he could.
Lester accomplished his assignment and then some. Lester pitched himself a GEM. The heat did not beat him…he beat the heat and the Rangers. Lester pitched 8 innings, allowing 5 hits, 5 Ks, no walks and NO RUNS. He was truly truly a beast on the mound. Last time out…he blanked the Yankees and this time out he blanked the Rangers. Can’t ask for more than that.
The Sox got on the scoreboard in the 5th on an RBI single from JD Drew. Lester left the game after the 8th still sporting a 1-0 lead. Luckily, in the 9th inning…the Sox jumped back on the scoreboard. They got 2 more runs and gave that extra bit of insurance we would end up needing.
Scott Atchison came in for the top of the 9th. He got a quick out and then gave up a HR to Josh Hamilton, mainly because he is Josh Hamilton. Vlad Guerrero got onto base and that was it for Atchy. Doubront came in to face Moreland. However, Vlade gave us a huge favor trying…horribly…to steal second. VMart made a nice throw to Scutaro and he was OUT. Doubront finished off the night and got his first save by striking out Moreland looking…on a sick curveball.
Great night boys. Jonny Lester…you da man!
Sox WIN 3-1. BOXSCORE
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