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Romero, Lester square off at Fenway

Jun 27, 2012 - 12:42 PM (Sports Network) - Ricky Romero goes after his ninth win of the season this afternoon when the Toronto Blue Jays play the rubber match of a three-game series with the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

Romero is 8-1 on the year, but has been the beneficiary of some great run support, especially of late. Romero beat the Miami Marlins on Friday, allowing four runs and seven hits in seven innings. He also walked four batters and saw his ERA rise to 4.34.

Despite just one quality start in his last six outings, he is 3-0. He also hasn't lost since May 13 against the Twins.

"I've been lucky -- the hitters have done their part every time I've pitched, it seems like," Romero said after the game. "They bailed me out of some tough games where I've left the game losing, and it's just the way baseball is."

One of Romero's better efforts this season came against the Red Sox back on April 11 when he allowed just a runs and three hits in 8 1/3 innings. However, he is only 5-6 lifetime against them with a 6.45 ERA.

Boston will counter with lefty Jon Lester, who is 4-5 with a 4.48 ERA. Lester lost to Atlanta on Friday, surrendering three runs and 10 hits in seven innings.

"I'm making good pitches, and they're getting hit," Lester said. "I don't know what else to do. The process is there. I'm still not getting results."

Lester was on the losing end of Romero's gem back in April, but is 10-5 in 19 starts against the Blue Jays with a 3.08 ERA.

Boston won for the eighth time in 10 tries on Tuesday, as Dustin Pedroia hit a go-ahead, two-run single in the seventh inning to help the Red Sox to a 5-1 win on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays wasted an impressive effort from Aaron Laffey, who made his first start since 2010. The lefty tossed six shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out two. He was relieved by Jason Frasor, who allowed Jarrod Saltalamacchia to tie the game with a two-out solo homer over the Green Monster.

Ryan Kalish followed with a double off of Luis Perez (2-2) before David Pauley hit Daniel Nava and walked Mike Aviles to load the bases. Pedroia then slapped a grounder up the middle for a 3-1 lead.

"It seems like it's been so long since he has been in that opportunity late in the game," said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine.

Andrew Miller (2-0) got the win after stranding a runner at third in the top of the seventh. Daisuke Matsuzaka allowed one run over 5 2/3 innings and remains winless in four starts this season since returning from Tommy John surgery.

"That was his best effort (of the season)," Valentine said of Matsuzaka.

Boston, which is a season-high four games over .500 has split its eight games with the Blue Jays this season.