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| (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images) |
In perhaps his best performance of the year, re-established Ace
Jon Lester went seven strong innings, struck out nine and got just enough offense for
a thrilling 2-1 win over the Tigers. Besting fellow ace
Max Scherzer, Lester was dazzling when he had to be—keeping the game close until
Will Middlebrooks laced a two-run single up the middle to plate both Boston runs. Setting up the Middlebrooks heroics were key hits by
Jonny Gomes and
Stephen Drew. Using his devastating curve and slicing cutter, Lester continually got strikeouts at key moments—including Detroit's fearsome duo of
Miguel Cabrera and
Prince Fielder. This game had true playoff intensity and was fittingly ended when
Koji Uehara punched out former Sox phenom
Jose Iglesias to end the game.
