A few More Dead Snakes: Peter

Well, Jenn, tonight was Lester's turn to stomp on a few snakes. Overall, he did pretty well at it too. Other than one mistake, a 2 run HR relatively early, he held the D-Backs in check, with a four hitter, a game WHIP of 1.0 and another seven K's. The K's now tie him for the league lead. Dusty continues his recovery from his recent slump, getting his 9th HR and getting two hits and a steal, while Yoouukk also picked up a fourbagger. Beltre expanded his team lead in ribbies, reaching 45 on the season and getting closer to the league leaders.

Overall, even though Lester pitched well, his eighth win in a row, he realizes there is still room for improvement. Other than the four hits and three freebies, he also hit a pair of batters. But, when it counted, he pitched and took care of business. I tell you, Jenn, a lot of folks don't realize there is a difference between throwing a ball and really pitching. I think I've made the point in the past. Anyone can throw a ball, some fairly well and with accuracy or good speed. But when the man on the mound finds himself with two or three baserunners and the game on the line, that's when you find out if he can truly pitch and not just fire the ball up there. The good ones somehow figure out a way to minimize the damage or avoid it totally. The throwers usually see their ERA's climb with the passage of a few more pitches. Lester is a pitcher and proved it again tonight when he had to.
When he gave way to the pen, first Bard, and then Ramirez kept the snakes at bay. Then Pap came on to administer the coup de grace and end it. Picked up his 15th save in the process.
With the 'W' tonight, the Hose are now one game closer to the first place Rays and Stripes, both of whom lost tonight. Hose are also eleven over .500 on the season for the first time so far.
Interesting note: an example of how most Boston fans can be rooting for their home team at one game and simultaneously expressing support for another: at one point in the game, the crowd started chanting "Beat LA"-- a whole day in advance. Hope it works.