Red Sox Increase AL East Lead

Jon Lester struck out 8 and the offense collected 12 hits in beating Tampa Bay 6-2 at Fenway Park.After getting an extra day of rest following the All-Star game Lester went 6.1 innings allowing 7 hits while striking out 8 and not walking a batter. The win improves his record to 9-7.

Boston was clinging to a one run lead in the bottom of the 8th inning before scoring 3 runs. Stephan Drew singled in the first run while Jose Iglesias knocked in the other two.

The Sox put their AL East lead back to 1.5 games and send Felix Doubront to the mound against David Price on Wednesday.

Notes: Dustin Pedroia and Shane Victorino executed a double steal in the third inning to  take a 2-1 lead....Pedroia and the Sox have finalized the 7-year $100 million dollar contract extension......Four Boston pitchers combined to strikeout 13 and walk 0.....Victorino played centerfield as Jacoby Elsbury had the night off.