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Jon Lester’s Nine Strikeouts Make Him Amica Pitcher of the Week

The Red Sox' pitching staff was not at its best this week.

No Red Sox starter earned a win, and the team was swept by the Oakland Athletics. After opening up the week Sunday with a victory over the Mariners, the Red Sox dropped three straight to the A's before coming home and losing Friday's contest to the rival New York Yankees.

While no pitcher was particularly heroic this week, Jon Lester did his part in Tuesday's loss against Oakland. The 28-year old lefty threw 6 2/3 innings, striking out nine batters and allowing just one run on four hits. He did not pick up a decision in the loss.

Lester's record held at 5-5 after the strong outing, and it was the first time Lester allowed fewer than two runs in a game since May 14 against the Seattle Mariners.

With shaky performances from Felix Doubront and Aaron Cook to go with letdowns from Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matsuzaka, Lester's workmanlike performance stood out, making him the Amica Pitcher of the Week.