Jon Lester was finally roughed up for his first loss on Monday night, surrendering six runs (five earned) and seven hits over six innings pitched. Lester immediately ran into trouble in the first inning, after retiring the first two batters no less. Following a single to Alex Rios and a walk to Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn connected on his eleventh home run of the season, putting the Red Sox in an early 3-0 hole. The next inning represented more of the same for Lester, as he got the first two outs of the inning, only to give up two more runs before the innings completion.
May 20, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester (31) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Red Sox would never be able to recover, even though Jarrod Saltalamacchia answered Chicago’s two runs in the second with a two run blast of his own. In addition to Saltalamacchia, who collected two hits, Will Middlebrooks did produce a two RBI double of his own and also just missed a game-tying home run in the ninth inning, a deep fly to dead center that fell just in front of the 400 foot sign.
Monday’s loss snapped a five game win streak for the Sox, and put them a game and a half behind the 1st place Yankees. Shane Victorino left the game early with left hamstring tightness in the sixth inning.
Tomorrow, the Sox go at it again, trying to start a new win streak against lefty Jose Quintana. Felix Doubront is scheduled to go for the Sox, with hopes he can build off his last start. Game time at 8:10.