13-0

It looked like a repeat of the Toronto game from a few weeks ago, as Jon Lester was giving up 4 runs in the first inning, and another in the second. (Remember that game? Lester gave up 4 more in the third and was gone, allowing 9 runs in total in just over 2 innings. I've done my best to forget that.)

But Lester hung in there. He settled down, and went six innings, and allowed the Orioles nothing more on the board. Marco Scutaro and J.D. Drew banged home runs, and the Red Sox scored six in the seventh, capped by Adrian Beltre's three run shot, after David Ortiz was walked intentionally to get to him.

Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon went the final three to get a 9-6 win. It was Pap's 34th save of the season.

But it was a very unlikely win for Lester. He continues to own the Orioles, and is now 13-0 lifetime against the Birds. He was getting belted around in the first two frames, giving up six hits and five runs, but he then retired 11 straight when he settled in. He's now 15-8 on the season.

29 games remain. The Red Sox showed me some passion last night and no quit in them. They still trail New York by 8 in the East and Tampa Bay by 7 in the Wild Card.

It looks like the end of the road for 2010 for Dustin Pedroia, as he will have a screw inserted into his foot during an operation scheduled for Friday. Get well soon, Pedey.