Lester Outlasts Liriano

While Francisco Liriano was chased from tonight's game after 4 2/3, Jon Lester pitched the 5th complete game of his career as the Sox won 6-2. Though he allowed a couple of runs late, Lester was untouchable throughout. All the off-speed stuff, particularly the change up, looked nasty. The most impressive sequence was when Lester struck out the side in order in the seventh. Among the victims were both Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau. Lester was incredibly efficient as well completing his start with only 103 pitches, 27 less than his no-hitter in '08.

On the offensive side, the Sox jumped all over Liriano early. Kevin Youkilis contributed with a three run homer and an RBI double as the Sox built up a 5-0 lead before Liriano left. Victor Martinez joined the party with three doubles scoring two runs as a result.

Finally the Sox really handle a quality opponent. The problem all year has been that the Sox fold when matched against a team that will directly compete with them for a playoff spot. They've been mediocre at best against the likes of the Yankees, Rays, Tigers, and until tonight and last night, the Twins. It's nice to beat up on the Royals and all that, but the Sox need success against the legit AL contenders.