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Rays Even Series Against Lester, Sox

The Red Sox seemed poised to take the opening series of the season against the Rays after Josh Beckett’s dominating performance on Opening Day. But, these aren’t the Rays of old anymore, and they proved that, taking Game 2 of the season over Jon Lester and the Red Sox, 7-2.

Scott Kazmir (1-0) continued his string of good performances in Fenway Park. He allowed just one run on five hits in six innings Wednesday night to earn the win. He has a career 2.88 ERA at Fenway since 2005, the best by any opposing pitcher with at least 50 innings there.

Sox Stud of the Game

Kevin Youkilis, 1B: Youk had a great day offensively yet again, going 3-4 with an RBI. His season average now stands at a torrid .625. He did record a rare error on a throw. Crazy, huh?

Sox Dud of the Game

Jon Lester, SP: Lester was not very effective, allowing five runs on eight hits and two walks in just five innings of work. He had a strong start, allowing just one run over the first four innings, but unraveled in the fifth. In that inning, Lester allowed an RBI single to Jason Bartlett, a bases loaded double play that allowed Akinori Iwamura to score, and a two-run HR to Carlos Pena (his first hit of the season). Game, set, and match.

Game Notes

• Rocco Baldelli started in right field with lefty Scott Kazmir on the mound and finished 1-4 (his first Red Sox hit).
• Ramon Ramirez made his first appearance for the Sox, finishing with 1.0 IP an one strikeout.
• Takashi Saito also made his debut, and didnt fare as well as Ramirez. He allowed a HR to Evan Longoria in his one inning.

About KC Downey

KC is the "head coach" of the Sports of Boston, LLC blog network. Follow him on Twitter: @kc_downey

Tags: Carlos Pena, Jon Lester, Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox, Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay Rays