Red Sox lefthander Jon Lester has been named the American League Pitcher of the Month for July, according to a press release from the team. It is the first monthly honor of his career.
The 24-year-old Lester went 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 30.2 innings in July, allowing seven earned runs on 31 hits and six walks for the month.
On July 3, Lester pitched a complete-game shutout against the New York Yankees in his first game ever at Yankee Stadium, striking out eight.
In his 23 starts this season, Lester is 10-3 with a 3.14 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 146.1 innings. He has not taken a loss at Fenway Park since April 9th.
Lester beat out Angels closer Francisco Rodriguez (3.75 ERA, 12 saves, 12.0 IP, 16 SO) and Yankees starter Mike Mussina (3-1, 2.61 ERA, 31.0 IP, 27 SO), among others, for the award.
