• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

With Beckett ailing, Red Sox turn to LHP Lester in Game One

Oct 1, 2008 - 10:04 AM American League Division Series Game One

Boston at LA Angels 10:00 p.m. EDT

ANAHEIM, California (Ticker) -- The Boston Red Sox begin their World Series defense without their staff ace on the mound.

Jon Lester tries to get the Red Sox off to a strong start when they face the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in Game One of the best-of-five American League Division Series on Wednesday.

Josh Beckett, who is 6-2 with three shutouts in 10 games - nine starts - in the playoffs during his career, was scheduled to toe the rubber during the series opener. However, a strained oblique muscle pushed the Red Sox ace back to Game Three and Lester, who went 16-6 with a 3.21 ERA this season, was moved up.

"(Manager Terry Francona) let me know Josh was feeling a little pain in his oblique and it might be me pitching," Lester said about being named the Game One starter. "That was really it, and, I'm excited. Whether it be Game One or Two or Three, I was excited just to get the ball and have a little different role this year."

Lester made three appearances during Boston's title run in 2007 and was chosen to start Game Four of the World Series with the Red Sox holding a 3-0 lead over the Colorado Rockies. The 24-year-old lefthander, who threw a no-hitter earlier this season, pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings to help Boston clinch its second championship in four years.

Lester will use last season's playoff experience to help him against the Angels, who posted the majors' best record and registered the first 100-win campaign in franchise history.

"Anytime you pitch in a playoff atmosphere it helps with your nerves, with your emotions and being able to get a couple of appearances last year ... it definitely helps, but, you know, you can control your emotions, not let the crowd affect you," he said. "It comes with experience, you've just got to keep running out there and performing and controlling your emotions."

Lester's only start against Anaheim this year came on three days' rest. He allowed four runs, nine hits and two walks in five innings of a 6-4 loss on April 23. However, he won't change his approach in Game One.

"Same keys as it's been all year for me, getting ahead early, making sure I establish that I can throw strike one early on and go from there," he said. "Let the game dictate what we want to do. They can do a great job."

Unlike the Red Sox, the Angels will have their staff ace on the mound.

John Lackey went 12-5 with a 3.75 ERA despite struggling down the stretch, losing three of his last four decisions. The 29-year-old righthander endured his shortest outing on Friday, surrendering a season-high 10 runs and 12 hits in 2 2/3 innings en route to a 12-1 loss to the Texas Rangers, but insists he isn't concerned.

"Not really, no, I had a good bullpen session a couple days ago and I'm confident I'll be fine," Lackey said. "(The Red Sox have a) couple of personnel changes, but still a formidable offense and they have guys that can swing the bats over there and we're going to have to pitch well to be able to win games."

Anaheim, which went 8-1 against Boston this season, will host Game Two at Angel Stadium on Friday.