Jon Lester’s stat line indicates he had things well in hand all night Monday as the Red Sox took Game 5.
But no World Series win is easy, and Lester had to be sharp throughout, as Boston had just a one-run advantage for most of his outing.
That included the third inning, when David Freese singled to lead off the frame. Pete Kozma, who has had some real trouble hitting lately, astutely decided to bunt next. It was a smart move, especially since he bunted down the first base line. Not only could Freese get into scoring position, but Kozma also had a chance to get himself on base if Lester and a certain designated hitter who’s been manning first, David Ortiz, couldn’t make the play.
But Ortiz, who has elevated his already strong game at the plate (.733 batting average in this World Series), has also been holding his own at first. He didn’t flinch as Lester ran over and flipped him the ball for the close play, recording the out by a hair and getting the Red Sox a one-out, man-on situation instead of two men on with no outs.
Lester finished the frame without trouble, and the Red Sox finished the win.
Check out the Ortiz-Lester combo in the video below.
