"More often than not, Jon Lester wore an annoyed expression as he stood on the mound at Fenway Park yesterday.

The Red Sox lefthander fell behind in the count to 14 of the 25 Blue Jays he faced. Three drew walks and Lester went to three-ball counts on seven others. Only once did he retire the side in order.

"A grind,'' said Lester, who frequently took brief strolls to the back of the mound to compose himself."