Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON _ Jon Lester is still a work in progress.

The Red Sox starter lasted 6 1/3 innings last night against the Texas Rangers and allowed three runs on 10 hits. Those 10 hits match a career-high, and is the most allowed by a Boston pitcher this season. The left-hander was dealt with a no-decision and is 1-2 in five starts this season.

“Tonight was a step forward,” said pitching coach John Farrell. “The only time he got hurt was when he elevated the ball up around the thigh.”

The numbers seem lopsided, but fortunately Lester was able to strand runners in scoring position and work out of jams. Still, the Red Sox would like to see him not get into those jams so often.

“We striving hard to make sure he doesn’t have to,” added Farrell. “But that’s become kind of his trademark. For him, it speaks to his competitiveness.”

Manager Terry Francona was asked after Boston’s 5-3 victory if he thought Lester is getting frustrated.

“He gave up a lot of hits, but I think he only had two walks,” said Francona. “He maneuvered his way through the lineup. When he first came up (to Boston) we saw him do that. He’d get himself into trouble and he’d compete and find a way to get out of it. He competed tonight and didn’t give in.

“There’s always room to get better,” added the manager. “But he’s trying. He’s working hard. He got us deep in that game where we could win it.”

Lester realized he was better tonight, especially in the first couple of innings. He said he was able to attack the zone better and was able to throw a lot of first-pitch strikes.

"This was definitely a big step forward for me," said Lester. "My mindset going into the game was they're going to beat me swing the bats. I'm not going to give these guys any free passes. So if that means throwing the ball down the middle then that's what I did."

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