John Lackey channeled 2007 and delivered a dominant performance allowing just one earned run on two hits, striking out eight and walking three in a 8-1 win over the Cleveland Indians. Lackey used to low to mid 90s fastball to set the tone for the evening while lowering his ERA to 2.72.
Lackey out pitched the a red-hot Justin Masterson who entered the game with a 7-2 record and a 2.83 ERA. Lackey into his second year removed from Tommy John surgery has worked tirelessly and appears to be hitting his stride.
“The one thing he’s maintained is his stuff overall and considering the surgery’s he’s come off of, I think it’s a testament to the work he puts in in-between starts,” manager John Farrell said.
Th Red Sox offense helped beginning in the second inning when my cart it a three run home run. The Red Sox made it 4-1 in the sixth when they loaded the bases with one out. Daniel Nava was hit by a pitch and Dustin Pedroia and Ortiz singled.
Boston took an 8-1 lead in the seventh on two-run singles by Jacoby Ellsbury and Pedroia.