What A Difference A Night Can Make

Might also add in that title "A Pitcher". Night before last, one of the Sox' unquestioned aces, John Lester, made a start that was one of the worst in his career. Lasting just a few innings, he gave up seven walks--SEVEN--and eight hits on the way to a loss to the Rays. Final in the game was 9-5, Rays, but it was Lester's fifth consecutive, if my count is correct, start without a win, and by far his worst of the season. Hopefully, it will get turned around as a reliable quality pitching effort from Lester will be an imperative as the season progresses through the remaining now less than 100 games.

Change the setting to last night, still at the Trop and we have Aceves, recalled from Pawtucket just hours before game time, getting the start. He goes six innings, allowing a single run, Longoria's third HR in three games, a solo shot, and gets the win 2-1. He gave up four hits and walks apiece, but also kept them from any damage by mixing in three K's.  The pen was awesome in making the lead stand up, picking up a total; of 7 K's while handing out zero freebies and just a pair of hits over the final three innings.
Offensively, the hero of the night was Danny Nava, who drove a pitch deep into the cheaps for both Sox runs. Jake continued his recent run on the bases, adding his league leading 28th and 29th swipes of the season to the single one of the prior evening.
Coupled with losses by every other Division team, the Hose' lead increased to three over the Stripes and accordingly over each other rival.