Capping a special comeback

Posted by Chris Collins May 19, 2008 at 10:14 pm

If there ever was any doubt that Jon Lester had made it all the way back from cancer after last year pitching the World Series clincher, tonight absolutely sealed the deal.

The Comeback Kid tonight turned into the No-Hit Kid. Lester was brilliant right from the giddy-up. His command was outstanding, working a plus fastball and locating his off-speed stuff — at one point he retired twenty Royals in a row. And he only two guys (an area that has been an area of concern with Lester, but not tonight).

And as always seems to be the case, there has to be one outstanding play made behind the pitcher to make it all happen. Last year, it was Clay Buchholz who supplied the no-no, and then-rookie Dustin Pedroia making the no-hit saving play. Tonight, it was rookie Jacoby Ellsbury with the glove work.

And while young pitchers throwing no-hitters is getting to be routine around the Fens, I don’t think there will ever be anyone who deserved this more than the young lefty tonight — Jon Lester.