Lester struggled in debut; Sox win, 7-6

Jon Lester lasted only one inning against the Twins this afternoon.

Lester allowed 5 runs (4 ER) on two hits and four walks. While the Twins have essentially their starting lineup going this morning, the Sox feature JD Drew, Alex Cora, Sean Casey, Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie in their starting lineup. Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter, Kevin Cash and Joe Thurston round out the lineup.

The Sox are trailing 5-3 in the bottom of the third. Cora has 2 RBIs and Carter has the other.

Michael Tejera relieved Lester after the first. He allowed 1 hit, 2 walks but no runs in his first inning of relief.

Update [2008-3-1 14:31:8 by Randy Booth]:
Tejera's second inning wasn't much better. He allowed a hit and a walk but didn't allow anyone to cross the plate. Twins' CF Carlos Gomez is making a run for a starting job. After throwing Dustin Pedroia out at the plate yesterday, Gomez led off today and already is 1-for-2 with an RBI, a run and a stolen base.

Update [2008-3-1 15:35:43 by Randy Booth]:
The Sox are fighting back. Ellsbury and Thurston added RBIs to make it 6-5 in favor of the Twins. Jonathan Papelbon made an appearance in the 4th inning, allowing a hit and striking out a batter. Devern Hansack took over the 5th but struggled by allowing a run while striking out 2. The game is in the bottom of the 6th.

Update [2008-3-1 18:28:25 by Randy Booth]: Sox win, 7-6. David Pauley and Jon Switzer combined to shut-out the Twins in the last three innings. Dusty Brown ended up hitting a home run. A come-from-behind victory, but a victory nonetheless.