Cliff Lee outduels Jon Lester, Sox lose 4-1

Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia Phillies came into Jet Blue Park and took a night game from the Red Sox, 4-1 behind the stellar pitching of Cliff Lee. Jon Lester was very good, only giving up two hits and a run (on a bloop double by ex-Sox CF Marlon Byrd) in four innings on 68 pitches, but Lee’s five scoreless frames helped the Phillies top Boston tonight.

The Sox were only behind 1-0 when the Phils struck for three runs off Burke Badenhop in the fifth on four hits. Boston could only muster six hits against the Phils’ ace and his bullpen. Jonny Gomes slammed his first home run of the spring on a long drive over the fake Green Monster in left field for the Sox’ only score. Other bright spots included Grady Sizemore and Chris Capuano. Sizemore went eight issue-free innings in the field, managing one hit in four at-bats. Capuano twirled three perfect innings in relief.

Aside from the lack of offense, another issue to notice is the continuing inability of Jon Lester to throw to bases. He bounced a throw to first base on a comebacker. This is certainly an issue that Lester has had problems with in the past. It appears he has not yet overcome it. Considering there are 16 days until Opening Day, one would figure he has two more starts to work on it.

Next up for the Sox, a meeting with Tampa in Port Charlotte. David Price starts for the Rays, Allen Webster gets the start for the Sox at 1:05.