There are few things in this world as exciting as Fenway Park on a Friday night. Spending part of my youth living in the suburbs of Boston, on many occasions, thanks to my dad holding season tickets, that’s exactly where I spent my summer evenings. Now living across the pond, as the English say, I’m tuned in via the web with hopes of reliving that excitement. Last night the Red Sox, with the help of starter Jon Lester did not disappoint.
Jon Lester (photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Lester 5-0 took the mound to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the as usual sold out Fenway Park. He started strong retiring the first three hitters with good placement and choice of pitches. Through 5 innings, Jon Lester had retired 15 straight hitters. The typical hush about the possibilities of a perfect game was in place as he sent down batters 16 and then 17. With two outs in the top of the 6th Maicer Izturis doubled to left bringing the perfect game to a close. Lester however responded with poise by striking out the next Jay hitter from the stretch.
Finally in full suspense after twice leaving runners in scoring position the Red Sox bats came through giving Lester some needed run support in the bottom of the 7th, extending their 1-0 lead by 4. With a 5-0 edge Jon Lester pitched on, retiring Blue Jays hitters in order. Showing he still had something left, striking out two of the final hitters in the 9th, Jon Lester closed out his 10th career complete game.
Jon Lester celebrates his complete game shutout… Photo property of The Boston Herald
The one hit, no balls on bases complete game marks Lester’s 5th win of the season. Of the 118 pitches thrown, 79 of them were strikes. With only 5 strikeouts, it is clear Lester had great defensive support. A strong showing for a potential AL Cy Young candidate.
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