Tag Archives: Jon Lester

May 30 2012

Daily Noontime – May 30, 2012

Daniel Nava drove in three runs on Tuesday, as Boston defeated Detroit, 6-3! (Photo Credit: CTPost.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s “hump day,” which means this week is somewhat over, right? OK… OK… here are some headlines, news and stories from the city of champions.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their 25th win of the season on Tuesday, as they defeated the Detroit Tigers, 6-3. David Ortiz cranked his 11th home run and 18th double of the season, while Daniel Nava recorded three RBIs. Also, Daniel Bard picked up his fifth win on the bump by tossing 5.1 innings and yielding five hits and two earned runs. Bard also recorded four strikeouts before he was relieved in the sixth for Rich Hill.

* Boston has now won 12 games at Fenway Park this season, and will attempt to even their home record on Wednesday against the Tigers – Jon Lester faces Drew Smyly – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* According to reports – Carl Crawford is two weeks away from throwing. The Sox outfielder has apparently tallied 60 swings of a tee, but is 10 days away from being able to test the arm, which he believes will be the “true test.”

* The New England Patriots announced on Tuesday that they released the 2007 first-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts, Anthony Gonzalez. The wide out, who was a free agent this past winter, has been hampered by injuries and hoped to revive his career in New England.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics will attempt to even their Eastern Conference Finals series with the Miami Heat on Wednesday — tip is scheduled for 8:30PM.

May 25 2012

Daily Noontime – May 25, 2012

Jon Lester will be on the bump Friday for the Boston Red Sox! (Photo Credit: Chowdaheadz.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Friday to everyone, and welcome into the final Daily Noontime of the week! Let’s kick-off Memorial Day Weekend with some news and headlines!

* The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays will begin their three-game series on Friday at Fenway Park – Jon Lester opposes Alex Cobb – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* According to various reports – Bobby Valentine strongly believes that if the Sox continue to play the way they’ve played the past 20 games, they’ll win the championship. Boston is 18-12 since blowing a nine run lead to the New York Yankees on April 21, which is the third best record in the American League behind Baltimore (20-10) and Tampa Bay (19-11).  If the Sox continue on this particular path, they’d finish their current campaign with 93 wins.

* The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers will conclude their Eastern Conference semi-final series on Saturday at 8PM at the TD Garden. Boston has won three of five meetings against Philadelphia in the seventh game dating back to 1965.

* Sources confirmed on Thursday that Avery Bradley will need shoulder surgery to repair “small tears that have compromised the structure of his ailing left shoulder.”

May 15 2012

Daily Noontime – May 15, 2012

Jrue Holiday paced the 76ers with 18 points on Monday, which helped Philadelphia even their semi-final series with Boston! (Photo Credit: PHLsportsfan.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Tuesday, which means this particular week is slowly motoring along! Here are some headlines and news to kickstart your day!

* Four players recorded 10 points or more for Philadelphia on Monday, as the 76ers defended a late rally by Boston to tie their Eastern Conference semi-finals series, 1-1, (Philly defeated Boston, 82-81 in Game No. 2).

* Jrue Holiday paced the 76ers with 18 points, while Andre Iguodala recorded 13 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the win. As for the Celtics, Ray Allen came off the bench and netted 17 points, Kevin Garnett added 15 points, and Brandon Bass registered 12 points.

* Boston and Philadelphia will resume their series on Wednesday in the “City of Brotherly Love” — Tip is scheduled for 7:00PM at the Wells Fargo Center.

* The Boston Red Sox earned their fourth consecutive win, as they defeated the Seattle Mariners, 6-1. Jon Lester tossed a complete game, and allowed eight hits, one earned run, and fanned six batters. Daniel Nava and Kelly Shoppach each cranked one home run, while David Ortiz recored his 26th RBI of the season.

* Boston and Seattle will conclude their two-game series on Tuesday – Josh Beckett opposes Blake Beavan — first pitch is scheduled for 4:05PM.

May 14 2012

Daily Noontime – May 14, 2012

Jarrod Saltalamacchia recorded one home run and 5 RBIs on Sunday, as Boston extended its current winning streak to three-games! (Photo Credit: Yahoo! Sports)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Monday, which means a new week has officially begun! Let’s get it started with some news and headlines from the city of Boston!

* The Boston Red Sox won their third consecutive game on Sunday, as the local nine pounded the Cleveland Indians, 12-1. Daniel Bard picked up his third win of the season, as he pitched six innings, allowed one earned run, and fanned two batters, while Jarrod Saltalamacchia recorded one home run and 5 RBIs.

* Boston has now won 15 games, and will look to earn their eighth win at Fenway Park on Monday when they host the Seattle Mariners – Jon Lester opposes Jason Vargas – first pitch is scheduled for 7:10PM.

* According to various reports – Daisuke Matsuzaka will make two more rehab starts with the PawSox before returning to Boston. The right-hander made his most recent start on Saturday, and lasted 5.1 innings and allowed seven hits, five runs, but fanned five batters.

* The Boston Celtics will look to earn their second Eastern Conference semi-final victory on Monday when they return to the hardwood at the TD Garden. Boston defeated Philadelphia, 92-91 on Saturday, and were given the day off on Sunday.

* Finally, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was recently interviewed by Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, who wrote in his weekly, “Monday Morning Quarterback” an excerpt about his first start against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 30, 2001.

May 10 2012

Daily Noontime – May 10, 2012

Josh Beckett made headlines on Wednesday for his golf outing last week, while nursing an injury! (Photo Credit: Cleveland.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Thursday, which means the weekend is right around the corner. And while we anxiously await for Friday, let’s jumpstart this particular day with some headlines and news.

* Despite tying the game in the third inning, Kansas City retained the lead with one run in the fourth, which helped the Royals defeat the Boston Red Sox, 4-3. Jon Lester earned his third loss of the season, while Adrian Gonzalez registered his 19th RBI of the season.

* Boston will return to Fenway Park on Thursday, and attempt to earn their second win in May against the Cleveland Indians. The Sox have only won win in the current month, which was against the Royals on Monday, but have lost seven of their last eight contests.

* According to reports – Josh Beckett, who is scheduled to pitch the first game against the Indians in Boston, supposedly spent an off day last week playing golf while nursing a lat muscle. Beckett did not appear in Sunday’s 17 inning contest against Baltimore due to his “injury,” and hasn’t appeared on the bump since April 29, against the Chicago White Sox.

* The Boston Celtics will attempt to end their first round series against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday at the TD Garden. Boston has a 3-2 advantage, and has won two out of three games at home.

* Finally, Hawks owner Michael Gearon Jr. told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Kevin Garnett is the dirtiest player in league. He also claimed that the Celtics are an old team, too.

May 4 2012

Daily Noontime – May 4, 2012

The Boston Celtics will welcome back Rajon Rondo to the lineup on Friday! (Photo Credit: LayupMag.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Friday to everyone, and welcome into another outstanding edition of the Daily Noontime! Let’s jumpstart the final workday with some headlines and news from the city of Boston!

* The Boston Celtics will resume their first round NBA playoff series on Friday, as they welcome the Atlanta Hawks to the TD Garden for Game No. 3. 

* Rajon Rondo, who served a one-game suspension during Game No. 2, will return to the lineup. Ray Allen, who hasn’t played since the regular season, is optimistic about playing Friday, while head coach Doc Rivers hopes that Mickael Pietrus will be able to record his first playoff bucket in a Boston uniform.

* The Boston Red Sox will attempt to snap their two-game skid at Fenway Park on Friday when they welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Fenway Park for a 7:10pm first pitch – Jon Lester opposes Wei-Yin Chen.

* According to various reports on Thursday – Boston Bruins team president Cam Neely told the media that he thinks the team’s first round playoff loss to Washington should motivate them for future success.  

* Finally, the New England Patriots recently re-signed defensive lineman Gerard Warren and released wide receiver Tiquan Underwood.

May 3 2012

Daily Noontime – May 3, 2012

Daniel Bard sustained his third loss of the season on Wednesday against the Oakland Athletics! (Photo Credit: Eagle Tribune)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s Thursday, which means we’re one day away from the weekend! Let’s jumpstart the day with some headlines and news from the city of championships!

* The Boston Red Sox concluded their three-game series with a 4-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday at Fenway Park. Daniel Bard earned his third loss of the season, and yielded eight hits and four earned runs.

* Against the A’s pitching staff, Ryan Sweeney recorded his 12th double of the season, David Ortiz cranked his 11th double, and Dustin Pedroia drove in his eighth RBI.

* Adrian Gonzalez extended his slump to 0-for-17 on Wednesday, and missed two chances to drive in runs against the Athletics.

* The New England Patriots bolstered their roster on Wednesday by acquiring former wide receiver Jabar Gaffney. The 31-year-old, who played for New England from 2006 through 2008, recorded 85 passes for 1,059 yards and eight touchdowns.

* According to reports, Kevin Garnett finished fifth in the voting for Defensive Player of the Year, while head coach Doc Rivers concluded the regular season in fifth place in the voting for Coach of the Year.

Apr 29 2012

Red Sox Weekly

By Andy Lindberg

The Red Sox still have the ability to shock the most cynical of fans.

This week Boston hit the road to win six out of seven games, losing a 4-1 decision to the White Sox on Sunday for their only blemish.  Sure, the Sox played the Twins and White Sox, neither team a world-beater; but those are the teams that must be beaten to win a World Series.  Felix Doubront (1-0) further proved he was starting pitcher material with a win in game one of the Chicago series, allowing three runs in six innings to finally earn his first win of the year.

The bullpen didn’t collapse (although they certainly tried in the Twins series at times).

Jon Lester (1-2) out-dueled Jake Peavy in a stellar 1-0 win on Saturday as well.  Winning that contest was crucial for Boston because it showcased their ability to out-pitch an opponent rather than out-slug, something they have yet been unable to do in the first month of this season.

Ryan Sweeney and David Ortiz continue to rip the cover off the baseball, sitting atop batting average leaderboards in the American League.

Last week I wrote more about Boston’s near certain demise.  The Red Sox are not yet out of the woods.  There is still a lot of work to be done for this team to contend in a very tough division.  The additions of Rich Hill and the possibility of a Daisuke Matsuzaka return before May is out, along with using Aaron Cook out of the bullpen would signal the pitching depth and help Boston still most desperately needs.

Although the Red Sox finish this April with one less win than April of 2011, they still hold a better record.  At 10-11 this season, the Red Sox improved on their 11-15 record to end the April of 2011.  We will see if they can improve on their impressive 19-10 May 2011 record in order to creep out of the basement in the American League East.

Apr 23 2012

Daily Noontime – April 23, 2012

The Boston Bruins forced a Game Seven on Wednesday by defeating the Washington Capitals on Sunday, 4-3 (OT)! (Photo Credit: SportsFanLive.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

It’s a brand new week, which means we need to kick-start it with some news and headlines from the sports universe in Massachusetts…Boston!

* There will be a Game Seven on Wednesday, as the Boston Bruins won their second overtime contest against the Washington Capitals on Sunday, 4-3. Tyler Seguin registered the game-winning goal and assist, while Tim Thomas saved 36 of 39 shots between the pipes.

* Boston and Washington will complete their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series on Wednesday at the TD Garden – time is TBD.

* The Boston Red Sox third contest with the New York Yankees was postponed on Sunday due to heavy rain. The Sox are currently 4-10, and haven’t recorded a win since they defeated the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday, Apr. 15.

* The Sox will look to snap their five-game losing streak on Monday when they travel to Minnesota for an 8:10pm first pitch – Jon Lester will oppose Jason Marquis.

* Despite no Sunday Night Baseball — former Red Sox manager Terry Francona expressed his thoughts on returning to Fenway Park on Friday to celebrate Fenway Park’s 100th birthday.

* Finally, the Boston Celtics have learned that their first round playoff foe will be the Atlanta Hawks. Boston clinched their third consecutive Atlantic Division last week against Orlando, but currently remain one game behind Atlanta for home-court advantage. Boston has two games remaining in the regular season against Miami and Milwaukee.

Apr 18 2012

Daily Noontime – April 18, 2012

Jon Lester lasted only two innings on Tuesday, and surrendered eight hits, seven earned runs and one home run! (Photo Credit: RedSox.com)

By NoontimeSports.com 

Happy Wednesday to everyone! Let’s kick-start the day with some news and headlines from the six New England states!

* The defending American League Champions, (Texas Rangers) rolled into Fenway Park on Tuesday, and walloped the Boston Red Sox, 18-3. Jon Lester last two innings, and surrendered eight hits, seven earned runs and one home run. Dustin Pedroia and Adrian Gonzalez each recorded a home run in the loss.

* Boston and Texas will conclude their two-game series on Wednesday at 7pm — Josh Beckett opposes Derek Holland.

* Paul Pierce netted 43 points on Tuesday, which wasn’t enough to beat New York, as the Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics, 118-110. Kevin Garnett finished the contest with 20 points, five rebounds and three assists, while Carmelo Anthony paced the Knicks with 35 points.

* The Celtics will attempt to snap their one-game losing streak on Wednesday when they host the Orlando Magic at 8pm. Also, if Boston beats Orlando, they’ll claim the Atlantic Division.

* Washington received some bad news on Tuesday, as the NHL suspended Nicklas Backstrom for a cross-check penalty, which occurred at the end of Monday’s contest against Boston. The Bruins currently lead their Eastern Conference quarterfinals series, 2-1, and will return to the ice on Thursday for Game No. 4.