The Streaks Continue--Sox Now Seven of Eight & Four Straight!

Well, today the team as a whole, supporting the stellar pitching by Jon Lester, took charge almost from the start and never let up.  Beginning with a fielder's choice ribbie by The Dustman in the first, and continuing with a ground rule two bagger by Danny Nava a couple of innings later that plated a pair, the Sox jumped on KC early and just kept on going as the game rolled on. The 3d inning pair by Nava were the first two of his three for today, the third coming as a sacfly for the Sox final run of the afternoon. Sox catcher Ross had set up this finish with a two run shot into the second row of the Monster Seats.  Together these runs accounted for what became the final six zip score. Four Sox batters each picked up a pair of hits, spreading the wealth nicely.  Included in the Sox total were doubles by Nava and Vic, as well as the aforementioned homer by Ross. Vic, by the way, in his second game back from the DL, was one of those with a pair of knocks, and Nava has now raised his BA to .246 while Vic's return has raised his to .255.  Now, all we need is Papi to get going again.

Meanwhile, there's Lester.  His work today, aside from his 10th W, also accounted for eight more K's, balanced against a rare (for him) pair of freebies.  Even taking these passes into account, his WHIP for the game was a sparkling 0.75! His ERA dropped to a solid 2.50, an excellent level at any time. Lester may still have a new contract to get worked out to avoid free agency after the season, but the way he's pitching now should make that easy for all parties involved--he and the Sox brain trust.  He's indicated a number of times he wants to finish his career in Boston, and efforts like today's should only lend further support to the idea!