Lester hurls 18th Red Sox NO-NO
May 19, 2008
BOSTON -- There was never a question about Jon Lester's poise or his promising arsenal of pitches. It's just that he never put it all together quite like Monday night, when he thrilled the Fenway Park faithful -- not to mention his teammates -- by throwing a no-hitter against the Kansas City Royals.
The Boston lefty was magnificent, walking just two batters while leading the Red Sox to a 7-0 victory over the Royals.
Instead of tiring, Lester only got stronger as the night wore on. Over the final five innings, it seemed the Royals were struggling just to make solid contact.
Not only was this Lester's first no-hitter, but it was also his first complete game.
And it was the second no-hitter in as many seasons for the Sox. Clay Buchholz, a product of the Red Sox's farm system just like Lester, did the honors last Sept. 1 against the Orioles.
The Red Sox have had four no-hitters in the 21st century. Hideo Nomo threw one in Baltimore in 2001, and Derek Lowe no-hit the Rays in '02. Of those four no-hitters, only Nomo's took place away from Fenway Park.
Jason Varitek caught all four, breaking a tie held by several catchers.
Lester didn't need much in the way of offensive support, but the Red Sox gave him plenty to work with by breaking out for five runs in the bottom of the third.
With runners at the corners and nobody out, the first run came home on a 5-4-3 double-play ball off the bat of Julio Lugo. Jacoby Ellsbury instantly started a new rally, belting a triple to center. Luke Hochevar then melted down with his control, walking three straight batters. The third to Manny Ramirez forced in a run. Mike Lowell followed with a popup to second that turned into a nightmare for the Royals. Mark Grudzielanek dropped the ball, allowing two runs to score. Kevin Youkilis made it 5-0 with a ground-rule double to right.
What was striking about Lester was how easily he was getting through the Kansas City lineup. His control was impeccable, and just about all of the outs were routine. Only a terrific diving catch by Ellsbury to rob Jose Guillen at the end of the fourth inning stood out from a defensive standpoint.
-~Cledus being Cledus~
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