Game 1 of today's split doubleheader with the Rays was a briskly moving affair, and the Sox came out on top, 3-1.
Jon Lester had a rocky first inning, allowing a double to Desmond Jennings and run on a ground out. But he was sensational after that.
Lester allowed just one hit the rest of the way. He struck out eight and walked one in seven innings. Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon both retired Tampa Bay 1-2-3 in the final two innings to lock it up. Lester is now 12-6 on the season.
James Shields also pitched very well, and had just one bad inning, the third, when the Red Sox had two singles in front of Jacoby Ellsbury's 21st home run of the season. Those were the only three hits the Sox had all game.
It was another fast game: just 2 hours and 20 minutes. Game 2 to follow later tonight.