Clay Buchholz went out Wednesday night and pitched the game of the year so far for the Red Sox. Too bad it didn't last very long.
Jon Lester pitched a six-hit complete game on Thursday night in a 6-2 win over the Twins. Lester was just filthy, throwing just 103 pitches and keeping the Twins at bay the entire game. Lester allowed two runs (one earned), no walks and struck out nine. It was just one of those games from The Ace.
Fortunately, Lester had an offense behind him tonight. Kevin Youkilis and Adrian Beltre each hit home runs in the win. Youk finished 2 for 4 with a run and 4 RBI. Victor Martinez was also big, going 3 for 4 with two runs. All three of VMart's hits were doubles.
This was exactly what the Red Sox's needed from Lester tonight. Sure, they had a great start from Buchholz last night. But great teams are ability to string together great starts and just win games. All of a sudden, the Red Sox have won three games in a row against two of the best teams in baseball (Yankees, Twins). It just took The Ace and The Assistant Ace (Buchholz) to get it done.
Two wins over the Twins is a great way to head into Philly. It's never easy facing the Phillies, but going in with three straight wins under your belt certainly helps. If the Red Sox's offense can keep hitting and if this weekend's starters take note of what just happened (yeah, I'm talking to you Dice-K, Lackey and Timmy), the Red Sox might be able to turn a corner.
Are things getting brighter in Boston? Perhaps they are.
Oh. And thank you, Jon Lester. You're the freaking man.