Projo Sox Blog

By Joe McDonald
Journal Sports Writer

FORT MYERS, Fla. _ Spring training is all about finding your rhythm and setting into a routine in preparation for the regular season.

Well, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester took the mound for his first start of the Grapefruit League exhibition season and looked like it was the middle of May. The southpaw worked two scoreless innings and allowed only two hits against the Pirates at City of Palms Park. He recorded one strikeout and tossed 30 pitches (19 for strikes).

"It's nice to face some hitters and get that 'L' screen out of the way, get some fans up there and get some adrenaline going, so it's a good step in the right direction," said Lester. "I got out of it healthy and now we move on and keep building up.

Lester threw all of his pitches, including changeups, cutters, curveballs and fastballs.

"He looked strong," said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. "His velocity was really strong, especially in the first inning."

Like his fellow Red Sox ace Josh Beckett, Lester said his plan for this spring is to work on his changeup more. He believes it's still a work in progress, but admits if he can get his feel back for the pitch, it adds another dimension to keep the opposition off balance in the box.

"I don't think you ever master a pitch," said Lester. "It's something you have feel for and you have command. I'm not trying to have the best changeup in the league, I'm trying to get a changeup that's effective."

 Tags  Jon Lester Red Sox spring training

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