Walks & HR's thwart Lester, Sox

Jim Monaghan
Contributing writer

Jon Lester walked a career-high seven batters, and he allowed three home runs as the Red Sox fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 8-3 at Tropicana Field. Lester, who now hasn't won in nearly a full month (his last victory came on May 15th) didn't get through the fifth inning. He gave up seven runs on eight hits to go with the seven walks in 4.2 innings.

Desmond Jennings paced the Rays with three hits including his eighth home run of the season in the bottom of the second inning against Lester (pictured).

The short outing was especially unwelcome given Monday night's 5+-hour, 14-inning affair which saw the Red Sox use eight pitchers.

Jose De La Torre, up from Triple A Pawtucket, delivered 3.1 innings out of the bullpen, providing the rest of the Boston relief staff with an evening off.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Jose Iglesias each had two hits for Boston.

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