"High hopes traveled to the Bronx for Jon Lester's start against the Yankees last night.

He'd brought a pretty good track record against the Yankees — a 7-1 career record and a 3.49 ERA. He was also coming off a week's rest, and he said he usually pitches better with a little extra time off.

Lester seemed ripe for a strong start, the kind that could get the lefthander back on track after a rough stretch in which he posted a 6.52 ERA in five starts and lacked command of his pitches."