Game 56: Lester nearly perfect, dominates Rangers

by Randy Booth on Jun 7, 2009 12:41 AM EDT in Game Stories

Final - 6.6.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Texas Rangers	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	2	1
Boston Red Sox	0	1	0	0	3	4	0	0	X	8	9	0
WP: Jon Lester (5 - 5) LP: Derek Holland (1 - 3)

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You know who's kind of good? That Jon Lester guy.

Yeah, pretty good. He just two-hit the Rangers Saturday night. Was almost perfect -- almost. He gave up one run, walked one and struck out 11.

Geez. Maybe he's better than good.

Here's a plus: unlike some previous games, the offense showed up again. Mike Lowell and David Ortiz each homered. Say what? Yes, Ortiz homered. He's now on pace for four home runs (maybe 4.5). Dustin Pedroia and Jason Bay each had two RBIs and Kevin Youkilis had one.

The bullpen, as well, was just awesome. They pitched a combined ... wait a second. They didn't pitch at all. Huh. Funny. I'm so used to writing, "the bullpen pitched a combined X innings and allowed no hits and struck out 38." But tonight they didn't need to work with Lester on the mound.

Sox look to win the series on Sunday with Daisuke Matsuzaka on the mound. The Rangers send out Vincente Padilla.

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Were it not for Michael Young

We’d probably be talking about Lester’s second no-no right about now, which just goes to show how much luck is involved in a no-hitter bid.

Also nice about the offensive production was the fact that only two of the eight runs came by the long ball, and that there were several heads-up plays (the double steal comes to mind).

by lone1c on Jun 7, 2009 1:06 AM EDT reply actions

Doubt

Padilla is starting-he was released.

by Buzzy on Jun 7, 2009 3:36 AM EDT reply actions

Padilla is starting..

The Rangers wanted to send him a message that he is expendable, he cleared waivers, but they aren’t going to release him. I thought it was kind of weird seeing him in the dugout the next day, all suited up.

by superferret on Jun 7, 2009 4:29 AM EDT up reply actions