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Stat of the Week
Week of July 30, 2007
(96)
The number of pitches (96) thrown by lefty Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox against the Cleveland Indians on July 23: The young prospect made his major league debut on June 10, 2006 against the Texas Rangers. Lester struggled in his debut, but did not factor in the decision. He captured the attention of the Red Sox Nation though when he won his next three starts during inter-league play against the Braves, Nationals, and Mets. He posted a 5-0 record during his first eight starts, and after defeating the Los Angeles Angels on August 23 his record stood at 7-2. Unfortunately, Lester was diagnosed with lymphoma and he did not pitch again in 2006. But after facing chemotherapy and an uncertain future, and with the support of Lance Armstrong, Red Sox Nation, family and friends, Lester battled his way back to the Red Sox and on July 23 he made his 2007 debut. He threw 55 strikes and struck out six batters in six innings of work. He gave up only five hits and two earned runs—and after the Red Sox offense posted a four-spot in the first inning, he cruised to a 6-2 victory in his first appearance in 11 months.
Stat of the Week
Week of July 23, 2007
(67)
The final round score (67) for Padraig Harrington at the 2007 British Open: Harrington began the day six shots back of Sergio Garcia at the Carnoustie Golf Club in Scotland. He made birdies on three, six, and nine to go out in 33. He made birdie again on eleven, and then dropped an eagle putt on fourteen. Garcia gave a shot back on fifteen after reaching the hole even on his round, and sent Harrington to the final hole with a one shot lead. The Irish golfer, in search of his first major championship, promptly made double-bogey on the difficult closing hole to seemingly squander his chance at golfing immortality. But Carnoustie is infamous because it favors no one, and it took a shot back from Garcia as well. In the four-hole playoff that followed, Harrington secured a one-shot victory—and the title Champion Golfer of the Year.
Stat of the Week
Week of July 16, 2007
(5)
The number of 1-0 victories (5) for the San Diego Padres through 94 games in 2007: Chris Young defeated Phillies phenom Cole Hamels on July 19 for the Padres fifth 1-0 victory of the season. Hamels gave up only two hits through seven innings, but suffered the loss as Young lowered his league leading ERA to 1.85 and improved his record to 9-3. Young also has a 2-0 record during the Padres five 1-0 victories—and in fact, has been the starting pitcher in all five of those games.
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