Before last season, only twice in Red Sox history had a pitcher started consecutive postseason games. Bruce Hurst pitched Game 7 of the 1986 World Series, then opened the 1988 ALCS. Roger Clemens was ejected in Game 4 of the 1990 ALCS and started Game 1 against Cleveland in 1995. All four starts resulted in losses.
Not only will Lester be doing it for an unprecedented second time, he’ll do it in consecutive seasons. The first cycle resulted in victories in Game 4 of the 2007 World Series and Game 1 of the 2008 ALDS.
The most recent repeat performance has not started out quite as well. Lester was on the mound last Oct. 19 at Tropicana Field when the Rays eked out a 3-1 victory in Game 7 of the ALCS to end the Red Sox’ season.
But the experience, good and bad, gives Lester an added measure of confidence heading into Thursday’s series opener in Anaheim. Starting with his World Series victory, Lester is 2-2 with a 1.95 ERA in 32 1/3 innings over five starts, the third-lowest postseason ERA for a Red Sox starter and the lowest since 1918.
“You know, once you experience [the postseason], it's something that never goes away,” Lester said Tuesday. “It's not something that you're going to forget or just put in the storage department and never remember again. So I think once you get one game under your belt, it makes every other game easier.
”It's going to be crazy here, just like it was last year and when we went to Tampa. But that's what makes it fun. You've got a bunch of screaming people in the stands, and it makes it hard for you to focus. But you just draw from those past experiences, and you learn how to handle those situations, and hopefully, you can stay focused enough to execute the pitch and get some guys out.”
Lester had no trouble getting the Angels out last October, pitching 14 scoreless innings in Games 1 and 4 with 11 strikeouts, part of a 24 2/3 scoreless innings streak that finally ended in the third inning of Game 3 against the Rays, resulting in Lester’s first postseason defeat.
Lester’s Game 4 start against the Angels last October was the last time he faced them. The team he opposes Thursday poses challenges, both new and familiar.
“Obviously, having Bobby Abreu in the lineup helps out,” Lester said. “He sees a lot of pitches. He's a very patient hitter. He's a guy that's definitely not afraid to hit with two strikes. You know, I think that helped trickle down into some other spots in their lineup.
“I think what makes the Angels so difficult is the way they run the bases. They're always pushing the envelope. They're always trying to get that extra base and put the pressure on us. I don't think they're any different as far as attacking them. I still have to pitch to my strengths and my game plan.”
Lester, 25, won 15 games in 2009, surpassing 200 innings for the second consecutive season and topping 200 strikeouts (225) for the first time.
He became just the sixth American League left-hander since 1990 to record 15 victories, 200 innings and 200 strikeouts in the same season, joining the likes of Johan Santana and Randy Johnson, who each did it four times.
“He started out the first month of the season kind of slow,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “Once he got on track, he hasn't [faltered] — he's been on track ever since. Just continues to get stronger. [His] cutter has become an enormous weapon against righties and lefties. [He's] throwing the breaking ball, changeup. He's a complete pitcher, a big, strong kid that seems to be able to endure a lot of innings and stay strong while he's doing it. [His] poise is real good. That's why we're comfortable letting him pitch.”
And Francona is comfortable enough to give Lester the ball in Game 1. Last year, Lester started the division series opener out of necessity, with Josh Beckett sidelined with an oblique injury. This season, Lester earned the nod on merit, going 12-3 with a 2.31 ERA in his final 22 starts, beginning May 31 in Toronto.
“I was surprised to be in this position,” Lester said. “But I'm thankful to be considered for Game 1. You know, obviously, Josh has had a lot of success in the past, and hopefully, he'll continue to do that. Hopefully, I won't let him down or the team down as far as taking the ball in Game 1, and going out and pitching well.”
