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Red Sox, Lester Fall to Rangers 4-2

The Red Sox ended baseball’s unofficial first half in a slump and things haven’t improved in the first series after the All-Star break. The Sox, looking to even the series with the Texas Rangers had their ace Jon Lester on the mound, but dropped the final game 4-2.

Dusty Brown, called up from Pawtucket, got the start on Sunday. Brown is the fifth different starting catcher used by the Red Sox this season. Unfortunately the Daniel Nava-Darnell McDonald magic did not come up with him as the backstop went 0-2 with a strikeout.

Jon Lester may have the better pedigree as a starting pitcher, but on Sunday C.J. Wilson was able halt the Red Sox offensive game despite giving up five walks. Wilson, a lefty, struck out 10 in just 6.2 innings and only gave up three hits. With Victor Martinez, hitting .431/.474/.792 against lefthanders this season, still on the disabled list, the Red Sox were a bit over-matched.

For his part, Lester tossed eight innings, giving up nine hits and four runs, three earned. He walked three and struck out six. The Rangers managed to steal two bases against Lester, but he caught Elvis Andrus once.  The speedy shortstop went on to score the Rangers’ fourth run of the day as he beat Darnell McDonald’s throw to the plate.

Sox Stud of the Game: Michael Bowden

The bullpen has been one of Theo’s biggest issues as general manager. He has found some great relievers and some duds. Converting Bowden to a relief role over the last few weeks and having him throw a scoreless inning in the majors could be part of the solution to this year’s pen problems.

Sox Dud of the Game:  Adrian Beltre

For all the credit Adrian Beltre gets as a great defensive third baseman, he does make his share of errors as well, which is frustrating for everyone.

Game Notes:

W: Wilson (8-5)
L: Lester (11-4)
SV: Feliz (24)

• The Red Sox extended their sellout streak to 600 games.
• Mike Cameron’s power binge continued as he hit his fourth home run of the year.

Tags: Adrian Beltre, C.J. Wilson, Dusty Brown, Jon Lester, Mike Cameron

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