Despite pitching well, the back-to-back home runs surrendered by Lester in the fifth inning gave the Rays a 3-0 lead from which the Red Sox could not recover. Run support has been something Lester has become a stranger to this season, which is unfortunate, because he has pitched wonderfully as of late.
The left-hander has posted quality starts in six of his last 10 outings and is 4-2 in those games. A quality start is usually something that is accompanied by a win, but the lack of run support Lester has received has contributed to his 9-14 record in 2012.
While he may not have earned the win Wednesday, Lester posted a vintage performance against the Rays and put the Red Sox in a good position to win. It may not have been enough to earn a W, but it's enough to earn him Amica Pitcher of the Week honors.