Lester pitches no-hitter, leads Boston over Royals 7-0
By JIMMY GOLEN | Associated Press | May 19, 08 8:50 PM CDT in
Sports
Jon Lester can now add pitching a no-hitter to his already amazing list of accomplishments.
The 24-year-old lefty, who survived cancer to pitch the clincher of Boston's 2007 World Series victory, shut down Kansas City 7-0 Monday night for the first no-hitter in the majors this season.
"Really, words can't describe it right now," Lester said.
Lester (3-2) allowed just two baserunners, walking Billy Butler in the second inning and Esteban German to open the ninth. He struck out nine, including Alberto Callaspo to end the game.
Lester and manager Terry Francona met for a long, hard embrace when it was over.
"He just said he was proud of me," Lester said. "I've been through a lot the last couple of years. He's been like a second dad to me. It was just a special moment right there."
Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury made a diving catch of Jose Guillen's line drive to end the fourth _ the best defensive play of the game. Lester also got help from first baseman Kevin Youkilis, who made a nice scoop on shortstop Julio Lugo's throw after David DeJesus hit a grounder in the third.
The fans really got into it for the final out of the seventh, rising to their feet when Lester fanned Guillen on a 93 mph fastball. They remained standing for the entire ninth inning, flashes popping, screaming at full throat when defensive replacement Callaspo fell behind 0-2.
Lester pumped both fists in the air after Callaspo reached for a high and outside 1-2 fastball.
Lester jumped into catcher Jason Varitek's arms before they were both mobbed by teammates running out of the dugout. After Lester hugged Francona, the pitcher tipped his hat to the Fenway Park fans for one more big cheer.
Boston's last no-hitter was pitched by Clay Buchholz, who shut down the Baltimore Orioles in just his second major league start last Sept. 1.
Mel Parnell was the last Red Sox lefty to throw a no-hitter, beating the Chicago White Sox on July 14, 1956.
Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is the only other person in history to no-hit the Royals.
Luke Hochevar (3-3) allowed seven runs on five hits and six walks in six innings.
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