Lester Delivers Another Subpar Outing But Still Enough To Earn Win

The streak of godawful outings continues for Jon Lester.

June 21, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) walks off the field after being relieved in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The supposed “ace” left-hander went five and two-thirds innings, allowing five runs (all earned) on nine hits (two of them being home runs) while walking three and striking out three. Fortunately for Lester, the Red Sox offense was able to bail him out and the Red Sox would go on to win 10-6.

The biggest star of the night on offense was Shane Victorino. The right fielder went 4 for 5with a home run and five RBI. Stephen Drew and Jose Iglesias would each go 3 for 5 and score three and two runs respectively.

Junichi Tazawa, Craig Breslow, and Andrew Miller would combine for four and one-third innings of relief, allowing only two hits, two walks, and one earned run.

The only bad news on the night was really Lester’s outing. He continues to disappoint. If he isn’t hiding an injury, there’s an even bigger cause of concern going forward. With Clay Buchholz still on the DL in addition to Lester’s mediocre stretch, there’s real concern at the top of this rotation. The cries for a certain lefty in Philadelphia are growing louder. I think his first name’s another word for ledge.

Prospect Allen Webster opposes AL wins leader Max Scherzer tomorrow night in game three of this four game set.