The M.O. around Fire Brand Land has been this: to be a solid major league pitcher Jon Lester must be consistent.
Tonight, he was anything but inconsistent throwing his first no-hitter of his career against the Kansas City Royals.
Lester had never even thrown a complete game in the majors, but Lester completed the no-hitter against the Royals on 130 pitches, two walks, and nine strikeouts.
After the fifth inning anyone with a baseball IQ could sense something magical happening especially by taking peeks at the radar gun. Lester was throwing in the low 90’s in the beginning of the game and every inning his velocity was increasing with better control. The fifth inning marked some pitches at 93 m.p.h. then as his outing progressed Lester threw 95 in the seventh inning and to close out the no-no he blew a 96 m.p.h. heater past Alberto Callaspo.
| While Lester was the story last night, the game was over long before it became apparent that history might be in the making. |
With the no-hitter Jason Varitek became the first major league catcher in baseball history to catch four no-hitters. Tek also pitched in on offense in the Boston 7-0 win with two RBI’s on a homerun in the seventh inning of off Royals starter Luke Hochevar.
Jacoby Ellsbury also saved the no-no with a diving catch on a sinking liner in the game.
Star of the Game: Lester
First career no-hitter for Lester. Congratulations Jon Lester.
Preview of Next Game:
I do not care about the next game right now. Let us just live in this moment of Lester’s amazing accomplishment.
Video Highlights:
Game Recap
Lester’s Reaction
Baseball Tonight breaks down the significance
Last pitch, reaction from fans and reporters