The pre-game matchup didn't look to be in favor of the Sox, having to face Toronto's Ace Roy Halladay, but Jon Lester was up to task for the classic pitchers-duel game. The bats still have not woken up from their now week-long slumber, as Halladay went the distance and only got touched up for 1 run in the 9th. Luckily for the Sox, that was all that was needed to get a much needed W. The Sox won 1-0 and Lester pitched 1-hit ball for 8 strong innings with Papelbon pitching the 9th and actually stealing the win in the box score.
The game looked like it was destined for extra innings as Halladay got the first two outs in the bottom of the 9th. But a walk to Papi and a single by Manny gave Youk his chance for that game winnings RBI single scoring Papi from 2nd base. Had Vernon Wells not bobbled the ball in center and gotten a throw off, the Jays may have still had a chance. But the Sox took Game 1 in the series. One note was J.D. Drew leaving the game in the 3rd inning with what is being labeled as a quad injury.
Lester still had a high number of walks that he needs to cut down, but with 6 K's and only one hit allowed, let's hope this is the Lester we will see more often in his future starts.
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