GAME 150 – 9/14/2013 – at Home vs. the New York Yankees

RESULT – WIN 5-1

Can we officially say Jon Lester is back in top form again?  In Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Yanks, he was aggressive and almost flawless as he improved to 14-8 and lowered his ERA to 3.75.

Jon Lester went 8 strong innings, giving up just 1 run on 3 hits.  He struck out 5 and walked 2.  The credit for his turnaround seems to be the fact that he’s attacking hitters more aggressively now.  He’s not nibbling and trying to get corners.  It shows because he has only allowed 5 total runs in 23 innings in his last 3 starts.  With Clay Buchholz, Jake Peavy and John Lackey all performing well, a rejuvenated Jon Lester makes this pitching staff downright scary.

The only time a runner made it past 2^nd base all night was on a ball that Curtis Granderson hit that to center that turned around Shane Victorino.  Granderson would score on a groundout but that would be the only time a runner would see third or home plate.  Simply outstanding job by Lester Saturday.

Franklin Morales pitched the final frame of the game and got out the 3 hitters he faced pretty easily.

Offensively the Sox had 5 runs on 9 hits.  They were better with runners in scoring position with a 4 for 14 showing.  Unfortunately they did leave 8 men on base but the way Lester was pitching; they only needed a couple runs on the day.

Mike Napoli went 2 for 2 with 2 runs and 2 walks.  Jonny Gomes went 2 for 2 with an RBI, a double and 2 walks.  Shane Victorino added 2 his of his own while driving in a run and stealing his 21^st base of the year.  David Ortiz went 1 for 4 with a run scored, an RBI and his 36^th double of the season.  Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 5 with a run scored and David Ross went 1 for 3 with a run scored and a walk.

Daniel Ross went 0 for 2 but drove in a run and Will Middlebrooks went 0 for 4 with an RBI.  Bogaerts walked once in the win.

The Sox will go for the sweep of their rivals Sunday night with Clay Buchholz taking the hill against Nova.  Their magic number is down to just 5 and if the Sox can pull off the sweep, they can really hamper New York’s postseason plans.

SHAVING CREAM PIE TO THE FACE – GAME MVP

Jon Lester.  Lester was dominant and is heating up just at the right time of year.

ELBOW TO THE FACE – GAME LVP

Will Middlebrooks.  Will did drive in a run but took another 0 for 4 with 3 strikeouts.  He’s not hitting right now and may be due for some bench time to clear his head.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Jonny Gomes’ single in the bottom of the 3^rd that drove in the Sox’s 3^rd run of the game.

NEXT

Sunday, September 15^th, at home against the New York Yankees.