NEW YORK (AP) - Jon Lester pitched a sharp five-hitter while the
Boston Red Sox roughed up Andy Pettitte, beating the New York
Yankees 7-0 on Thursday night to end a five-game losing streak.
A throwing error by shortstop Derek Jeter gave the Red Sox a
quick lead. Coco Crisp came back from a five-game suspension to
score twice, and it was 6-0 by the fifth inning.
Both AL East powers went into the opener of this four-game
series in the rare position of chasing Tampa Bay. There was no
scoreboard watching - the division-leading Rays were off.
Lester (7-3) made his most impressive start since pitching a
no-hitter against Kansas City on May 19. He struck out eight,
walked two and won his fourth straight decision.
Pettitte (9-6) never looked comfortable and lasted just 4 2-3
innings as his six-game winning streak ended.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)