Lester Leaves Nothing Unfinished

Cancer, clinching games of the World Series, no-hitters; Jon Lester does it all. It was something incredibly special to watch Lester, the highly touted prospect that managed to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds, throw a little bit of history up last night in addition to a complete game shutout of the Kansas City Royals. In my opinion, the most touching moment (and I'm sure you'll agree) came when Terry Francona came out of the dugout to embrace the young hurler with tears in his eyes. Say whatever you want, but I think we were all wrong about Francoma, don't you?

It's so funny how awkward the last two innings of a no-hitter are for fans, even those sitting at home on their couch. You get nervous, fidgety, start to flip between channels in an attempt to take some of the pressure off... but it's still incredibly tense. Every pitch, every swing is a chance to ruin everything. One millimeter too much over the plate or something just a little too flat and we all exhale or disappointment. It's tough.

Strangely enough, both with Buchholz's and Lester's no-hitters I wasn't even watching the game until one of my in-laws came through the door to let me know. Both times I had decided to forgo the game in favor of something more interesting or, at the very least, less sedentary. Still, for both games I caught the last two innings, and history was made.

This is starting to become old hat around here. Who would've though?

Holes In Our Sox

It's been quite the turnaround for the Red Sox. One minute you're on top of the AL East winning games day in and day out in "late and close" situations, the next you're watching your All Star closer blow (undeserved) back to back saves. Sprinkle in two outfielders, one shortstop, one starting pitcher fighting off injury and illness and one reliever being designated for assignment, and you have the perfect recipe for losing five of your last six games.

For the first time that I can remember, Tampa Bay is in first place by half a game. No wonder my head has this weird buzzing feeling. The good news? Tomorrow is an off day and the kids come back home before opening up the first interleague series of the season against the Milwaukee Brewers.

I bet Eric Gagné thought he'd never have to see us again, huh?