Jon Lester Struggles With Command As Sox Lose 2-1

This game had the potential for a much higher score but Jon Lester was able to work out of jams and hold the Twins to two runs. The Red Sox offense wasn’t able to pick him up in this one though as they scored just one run in the 2-1 loss.

The final line on Jon Lester was 4IP, 5H, 2ER, 1 walk and 1 strikeout. Lester also hit Joe Mauer and Trevor Plouffe with pitches in the third and fourth innings. He threw a total of 81 pitches, only 47 for strikes.

The Twins got things started in the second when Trevor Plouffe, Sean Burroughs and Joe Benson hit consecutive singles. Joe Bensons being the one that drove in Trevor Plouffe for the first run of the game.

Trevor Plouffe then led off the fourth inning with a HBP from Lester, followed by a double off the bat of Sean Burroughs putting runners on second third with no one out. Drew Butera ended up driving Plouffe in with a single .

The Red Sox would get back in the game in the bottom of the fourth after red hot Pedro Ciriaco doubled to left field followed by a single from Kevin Youkilis to get the Red Sox on the board. David Ortiz came close to putting the Sox ahead but he was robbed by Joe Benson right at the 420 sign.

Neither team was able to score after the fourth inning which led to a 2-1 Twins victory over the Sox.

Red Sox Notes From Fridays Game:

— Andrew Bailey pitched a perfect inning, striking out two.

—Ryan Lavarnway had two hits in the game, bringing his average up to .357 this spring.

—Scott Atchison showed his late inning value by pitching the eighth and ninth allowing two hits and no runs.

—Jose Iglesias was scratched from the game as a precaution according to Bobby Valentine. Iglesias has been dealing with a groin injury but was cleared to play yesterday before being scratched from today’s game.

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