He's 24. He has beaten a life threatening illness, clinched a World Series, thrown a no-hitter (and a close second no-no too!) and now he has gone and launched the Red Sox 2008 World Series bid. Launched it with aplomb.
With Boston's eager-to-be-nervous fan base waiting for the sky to fall last night in Anaheim, Lester delivered an inspiring performance, pitching, not throwing, his way through seven strong innings giving up just the one unearned run while striking out seven. He simply never gave in. When behind in the count he continued to befuddle the Angels big sluggers with all of his four quality pitches, never giving in and throwing a fastball down the middle, as so many Kansas, Texas and Detroit (sorry,. Dad) pitchers had done all season long, when facing the Halos own version of the murderers row.
Lester gave his all in those seven innings, using 117 pitches to work around what some call the most dangerous lineup in all of baseball.
After getting Garrett Anderson to pop meekly to second to end the sixth, knowing his nights work was done, Lester strode slowly from the mound. No Jobba like fist pumping or roaring. No histrionics at all. Just the quiet, humble stroll of the common, focused, disciplined hard working man. His wonderful humility, at such a young age, and after all he has been through, is just part of the makeup that begs you to like this guy.
What a start to the '08 playoffs.
.
With Boston's eager-to-be-nervous fan base waiting for the sky to fall last night in Anaheim, Lester delivered an inspiring performance, pitching, not throwing, his way through seven strong innings giving up just the one unearned run while striking out seven. He simply never gave in. When behind in the count he continued to befuddle the Angels big sluggers with all of his four quality pitches, never giving in and throwing a fastball down the middle, as so many Kansas, Texas and Detroit (sorry,. Dad) pitchers had done all season long, when facing the Halos own version of the murderers row.
Lester gave his all in those seven innings, using 117 pitches to work around what some call the most dangerous lineup in all of baseball.
After getting Garrett Anderson to pop meekly to second to end the sixth, knowing his nights work was done, Lester strode slowly from the mound. No Jobba like fist pumping or roaring. No histrionics at all. Just the quiet, humble stroll of the common, focused, disciplined hard working man. His wonderful humility, at such a young age, and after all he has been through, is just part of the makeup that begs you to like this guy.
What a start to the '08 playoffs.
.
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