Bing Bang Boom Boston

Jonathan Papelbon blew an out number three-strike three fastball past a swinging Alex Rodriguez with a man aboard and two out in the 9th tonight, but the game between the Yankees and Red Sox was over in the 1st inning.

Boston jumped all over Freddy Garcia, who had the second shortest outing of his career en route to a 6-4 victory. Jon Lester was effective enough over six innings to earn his eighth win in 10 decisions and he got plenty of run support early.

Garcia had nothing and the Red Sox took advantage. Jacoby Ellsbury led off the ball game with his seventh home run of the season. Garcia then walked Dustin Pedroia before Adrian Gonzalez drilled a pitch to the gap in right-center for a triple and his league leading 51st RBI. Kevin Youkilis' sacrifice fly made it a 3-0 game before the sell out crowd had barely settled into their seats.

The Yankees mounted an immediate threat against Lester, but paid a price at the same time. Curtis Granderson drew a one out walk to start the 1st before Lester drilled Mark Teixeira in the right knee. The big 1st baseman had to be helped off the field by Joe Girardi and Tony Pena and was taken for x-rays, which were negative. The Yankees will know more on Teixeira's condition tomorrow. Lester got Alex Rodriguez to bounce into a fielder's choice, but Robinson Cano delivered a two otu single to get the Yankees on the board. Lester than plunked Russell Martin on the right knee, luckily without the same velocity that felled Teixeira. Nick Swisher had a chance to tie the game, but bounced out for the final out of the inning.

When Garcia gave up a two out RBI double to Pedroia in the 2nd inning, Girardi had seen enough and sent for Luis Ayala. Hector Noesi came on in the 3rd inning and pitched the remainder of the ball game. The rookie was effective, but did allow a 2-run home run to David Ortiz shortly after an inside pitch threw the DH off balance. Seemingly in defiance, Ortiz fired his bat towards the Red Sox dugout after connecting on the home run, drawing a loud chorus of boos from the hometown crowd.

The Yankees had a chance in the 9th against closer Jonathan Papelbon when Brett Gardner reached on a walk, took second on defensive indifference, and scored on Jorge Posada's RBI single. But the big showdown of Rodriguez, who had previously homered twice off Papelbon, and the Red Sox closer ended with a Boston victory.

Notes

Jorge Posada's three hit night included his first two hits from the right side of the plate.

Hector Noesi's six innings were a career high.

Derek Jeter had two hits and now needs 12 for 3,000.

Bobby Jenks, just off the DL, had to leave the game after his back stiffened up against the first batter he faced.