700

The Phillies may have a buzzsaw in Cliff Lee, but the Phillies met the Red Sox version on Thursday afternoon in Jon Lester.

The Phillies couldn't lay a glove on Lester, who went seven strong innings, allowed just two hits and two walks in seven innings for his 10th win. Daniel Bard pitched a 1-2-3 eighth, but the disaster area known as Bobby Jenks gave up a two-run shot in the ninth before Jonathan Papelbon got the last two outs for a 5-2 win.

Jason Varitek belted two homers and Dustin Pedroia also went deep to cap the Red Sox scoring. Kevin Youkilis did not play due to a sore ankle, but will probably play on Friday.

Congratulations to Terry Francona, who won his 700th game as Red Sox manager today.

New York's win over Milwaukee this afternoon (nice of the first-place Brewers to roll over like dogs this week in the Bronx) keeps the red Sox at 2 1/2 games back in the AL East.

And I wish all the best to Mike Cameron, who designated for assignment today. He's a class guy all the way but it really looks like his career is coming to a close, as he was batting just .149 on the season. The Sox brought up infielder Yamaico Navarro to take his spot.

And as the travesty known as interleague comes to an merciful end this weekend for the Red Sox in Houston, I couldn't agree more with this Boston Globe writer who feels it should just die. Sooner the better.