It's a Winning Streak, I Say, a Winning Streak!

                                                                      Sports Illustrated

The Red Sox have won two in a row for the first time in 2011, this time gaining a 8-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. They did so behind a strong offense, and a nice outing from ace Jon Lester. His outing didn't start off so well, and he looked like he was in some trouble in the top half of the second. He allowed the first two men on, before getting a clutch 6-4-3 double play. After a walk to Juan Rivera, he was in a 1st and 3rd situation with two outs. The Jays then ran a double steal, and Saltalamacchia fell for it, attempting to throw Rivera out at second, allowing Aaron Hill to score. The Sox came out in the bottom half of the inning and answered right away. Salty came through with an RBI single, which was immediately followed by a 3-run shot from Jacoby Ellsbury, and the Red Sox had a 4-1 lead. That was all Lester would need, as he went 6 innings, giving up just the one run on 6 hits, 2 walks and 5 Ks. The Red Sox were able to extend the lead on on RBIs from Salty and Jed Lowrie. The bullpen shut the Jays down, and the Red Sox walked away with a semi-easy win. They will be back at it for the annual Patriots Day 11:00 AM first pitch.

News and Notes

• This is becoming a daily "News and Notes" entry. Carl Crawford, coming off an off day, struggled at the plate again today, going 0-4. He continues to look uncomfortable at the plate. His first at bat was an ugly showing, striking out in three pitches. In a personal diary on ESPNBoston.com, he said that he is completely comfortable in the leadoff spot, and insists he will be fine. I am inclined to believe him, but the results don't lie.

• The Red Sox had a great performance out of their middle relief today. After Lester gave the team a solid 1 run, 6 inning outing, the Sox got 3 shutout innings from the 'pen. Bard came in for the 7th, giving up just one walk. For the 8th, Doubront gave up a few baserunners, but Jenks came in to strike out JP Arencibia to get out of the 8th unscathed. Finally, Dan Wheeler came in for a 1-2-3 ninth. This is the relief pitching that had Bostonians dreaming of collapse-free endings for the Red Sox.