After pitching 6 & 2/3 innings yesterday, the bullpen holds it down for five more innings and a great throw from Darnell McDonald for the Red Sox hold on to a 3-2 victory.
Jon Lester was on his way to a dominant outing, he had a no hitter through four innings until he was complaining of some pain and had to leave the game. Gordon Edes tweeted that Lester has a strained latissumus dorsi and is looking like he may miss some time.
After Lester left, the combination of Matt Albers, Franklin Morales, and Daniel Bard combined for four shutout innings before Papelbon comes in and gives up a two-run shot to Bautista, who continues to tear the cover off of the ball. That was his 28th home run of the year.
The Sox got ahead early thanks to Jason Varitek and JD Drew. In the 2nd inning, Varitek hit a double to bring home David Ortiz and Drew singled afterwards to bring home the Captain. In the third, Dustin Pedroia hits one over the Monster for his eighth home run of the year and what turns out to be the difference maker.
The bullpen has done a stellar job against the Blue Jays but they have to be exhausted. Tim Wakefield will throw seven innings even if he has to throw 150 pitches.
