The Red Sox limped into Monday with four losses in their last five games, then promptly started a three-game series in Philadelphia by losing two games to the Phillies. By Wednesday, the Red Sox needed an ace-like pitching performance.
Lester delivered Thursday.
The 27-year-old left-hander pitched seven shutout innings to put Boston back on track. After his two-hit, five-strikeout performance, the Red Sox carried that momentum into Friday, when they opened a series at Houston with a 7-5 win.
For coming through when the Red Sox needed a boost, Lester is this week's Amica Pitcher of the Week.