Lester Hurls Gem, Sox Cruise To 6-1 Win Over Mariners

Jon Lester looked like JON LESTER tonight, throwing a complete game as the Red Sox rolled to their 4th straight win with a 6-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners. Lester didn't allow a hit until the 4th inning, and didn't allow a ball out of the infield until there was one out in the 5th inning. He struck out 6 and didn't walk a batter. His record improved to 2-3 and his ERA dropped from 4.29 to 3.71.

Daniel Nava and Kelly Shoppach each went deep for Boston. Nava's home run was his first at the major league level since his 1st pitch grand slam in his June 2010 Red Sox debut at Fenway; for Shoppach it was his 1st home run in a Red Sox uniform.

Boston jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning thanks to RBI doubles by David Ortiz and Adrian Gonzalez.

NOTES - Dustin Pedroia was hitless in 3 at bats ending his hitting streak at 14 games.

The performance of Lester gave the bullpen a much-needed night off. As much as the starters have struggled this season, Boston's bullpen has been a bright spot. Since April 23, Red Sox relievers have a 1.76 ERA over 76.2 innings.

Kevin Youkilis could return on the upcoming road trip which begins this Wednesday.

Centerfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was transferred to the 60-day DL which means that the earliest he can come back is early June. He continues to improve and manager Bobby Valentine said before the game he was pleased with the progress being made by Ellsbury.