Jon Lester Pitches No-Hitter

Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester pitched a no-hitter tonight against the Kansas City Royals. This awesome feat is just another in a long line of accomplishments for Lester, who overcame cancer to pitch in the World Series last year (from AP):

The 24-year-old lefty, who survived cancer to pitch the World Series clincher for the Boston Red Sox last fall, shut down Kansas City 7-0 Monday night for the first no-hitter in the majors this season.

"Really, words can't describe it right now," Lester said.

Lester (3-2) allowed just two baserunners, walking Billy Butler in the second inning and Esteban German to open the ninth.

Lester struck out nine, fanning Alberto Callaspo to end the game before pumping both fists in the air. It was Lester's first major league complete game, and what a way to do it.

The Boston Globe has a nice write-up of Lester's no-hitter.

Check out the lifetime stats of Jon Lester from ESPN.

Here's a list of Major League Baseball no-hitters.

Comments

[larryburns]

Nice story. Reminds me of the huge underdog Trevor Immelman winning The Masters after overcoming several serious health problems.

[eurydice]

Thirty-five years ago, on June 12, 1970, Pittsburgh Pirate and future Texas Rangers pitcher Dock Ellis pitched a no-hitter on acid.

Another great accomplishment in baseball history.

Read about it here:

http://www.dallasobserver.com/2005-06-16/news/balls-out/

http://www.sirbacon.org/4membersonly/docellis.htm

http://www.oregoncommentator.com/2005/06/29/how-to-throw-a-no-hitter-on-acid/

[shep1900]

Way to go, Jon!

By just doing his job--brilliantly, he's more of an inspiration than ever.

[TekBoss]

That is Soooooooooooooooooooo cool!

Congratulations!

[frantaylor]

The Sox get miracles from their youngsters on a regular basis while the Yankees with all the money and 'talent' in the world are mired in last place. Money can't buy you love!

[nirek]

I watched on the tube and enjoyed it just as much as Clay's no no. Been a boston red Sox 61.5 years and could not be happier for Jon and Tek and Terry and all the rest. go Sox lets get another world series win.

[JJeff88]

I hope that Sen. Kennedy got to watch it and that it put a smile on his face.

[Obamamo]

I was thinking the same thing!

[JJeff88]

I wrote the above before learning the bitter irony of Sen. Kennedy's diagnosis. I just hope that Ted had the opportunity to watch a Red Sox pitcher pitch a no-no and got a lift from it.

[rbspickles]

Wow! What a great story to give hope to those who face cancer today. We need more heros and stories of hope now days. Way to go Lester :)

[NoMoFearNoMoHate]

I'm sure that Mr. Lester could point to many more appropriate heroes than him surviving cancer and having a rare, impeccable afternoon doing his job - like the above mentioned Senator Kennedy.

[vmonter]

I was at the game last night, and it was a blast. Ellsbury had a fantastic diving catch from the outfield, Lugo played well at SS making plays at first base and generally a lot of good infield playing, and Lester pitched an amazing game as you can all read.

There was one moment when Manny was up with a full count, two outs, bases loaded, but he wasn't able to borrow any magic from Lester and make it 499 with a grand slam.

Great night for baseball. Clear, cool, not hot, not cold.

I just wish they would stop playing "Sweet Caroline"
But you can't get everything you want.

Great game. Nice playing, Red Sox.

[sandiegoconservative]

Lester should take Ellsbury out for a steak dinner for that catch. Great pitching and a great defensive effort by the supporting cast.

[VOTER]

Thanks for your report.

LOVE BOSTON AND THE RED SOX!

[vmonter]

Completely welcome. Rather than a recap, let me say what you didn't see - I was on my feet for the last two innings. It was amazing to see the sold-out stadium of Red and Blue (sure, some White too) all on their feet. I went with my parents, who are in their 60s, and we were all standing.

Every time Youkilis was up, or made a key play at First, I would YOUUUUU as loud as I could.

Every time there was a close count at the end of an inning, the crowd was on their feet clapping and yelling as loud as we could until the pitch was a swing or a foul, and if it was a swing, we broke out cheering!!! if it went foul, we all went "Aww" and went silent until the next clap-buildup for the pitch.

It was an amazing feeling to be apart of the crowd on a night when the players performed so well. Veritek's homer was a crowd-screaming riot, just like Ellsbury's diving catch. When Manny got walked for a run, well, that was a consolation prize for a grand slam I suppose.

The crowd itself was very peaceful in my area. There was a group of four behind us who kept making jokes about concession guys - they would sell you anything! Hot chocolate, peanuts, icecream bars, dogs, even clam chowder. So much disgusting food... heh. But that's the ballpark I suppose. Wouldn'tbethesamewith broccoli sprouts, hummus wraps. :)

[frappe]

How about that diving catch in short center that the fleet-footed centerfielder, Ellsbury, made in the 4th inning? Turns out that catch saved John Lester's no hitter. Great catch....And a great game pitched by John Lester. He was in the "zone" last night, for sure.

[cuzkate]

Cancer survivors RULE! Yankees suck and Obama is the next Pres.

[Masterbasser]

Couldn't have said it better !!!! BOSOX RULE.......yankees suck....OBAMA in 08 !!!

[starkweather444]

I hate the Yankees, I just thought that needed to be said.

[frappe]

Yes, it did need to be said. And we thank you for your sharing. :))

Go Sox!

[bola47]

great performance. good for lester and good for baseball.

signed,

buck foston

[KarateKid]

The Twins could have had the guy. They must be hurling their lunches now.

[bdd]

Don't forget the Jimmy Fund.
And please donate generously.
NOTE: I am not affiliated with the Jimmy Fund Foundation.
Just a member of RED SOX NATION!!!!

[TheBlackCat]

I DO work for Dana Farber Cancer Institute, the non profit hospital which runs the Jimmy Fund, and I thank you VERY much for the endorsement.

CONGRADULATIONS JON!!!

GO SOX!!!

Sweet Caroline...woah oh oh oh....

[booksnmore4you]

As the husband of a 12-year cancer survivor - you go dude!

[jimchap]

As a lifelong Red Sox fan and a cancer survivor, I can only say "Atta Boy!"

Amazing achievement!

[frappe]

I happened to witness the event...from my tv screen. I was so happy for him. Great kid. God bless him.

[Blutus]

Wonderful!!

[fedupcitizen]

What an accomplishment!

[NoSpinTruthZone]

I hate the Red Sox, but I tip my hat to Lester.

Good job!!!

This still doesn't change the fact that I don't like the Red Sox...

Go Yanks!

[DoomtoNeoCons]

As a member of Red Sox Nation (Cape Cod), It was a real treat watching Lester's triumph on the mound tonight!

Also, Yankee's suck!

[awcbuddy8]

27.

[brainlint]

Unfortunately for Yankee fans, this number represents the number of starting pitchers the Yanks will need to get through the season... or is it golden thongs?

[cgpunker]

Hahahahahaha.

As Janet Jackson likes to say - What have you done for me lately?

[frantaylor]

72

[RedStateBlues]

That is SO last millennium.

[jayinma]

This is a wicked pissah! I watched the whole thing-- what a game by Lester! And a hell of a job by Tek!!!

Oh yeah-- GO OBAMA!!!

[PoliticalEnnui]

Last night was definitely Lester's night, but Jason Varitek became the first catcher in baseball history to catch 4 no-hitters...and all by 4 different pitchers.

Go Sox!
And Go Obama!

[politicod]

For Red Sox fans, baseball fans and anyone who admires pure grit, congrats to Jon Lester.

[redsox09]

Way to go! This is just a tremendous. Tek had a hand in this also.

[heal57]

Congratulations, Jon!!!!!