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Romero's dominant showing paces Blue Jays


By Gregor Chisholm / MLB.com | 4/11/2012 2:54 PM ET




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TORONTO -- Ricky Romero came within two outs of a complete game and in the process outdueled Jon Lester to secure a 3-1 victory over the Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon at Rogers Centre.

Romero entered the game having struggled against Boston more than any other team in his four-year career. The 27-year-old, who was 4-6 with a 7.12 ERA in 13 career starts vs. Boston, appeared to turn things around during his final outing against the Red Sox last year when he allowed just three runs in eight innings.

The positive progression continued on Wednesday, as Romero allowed just one run on three hits while striking out five. Romero retired 17 consecutive batters in a span that started in the third inning and lasted until the ninth.

Romero's only blemish occurred in the third inning when he allowed back-to-back singles with nobody out. Two batters later, outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury hit an RBI single to left that scored Mike Aviles from second base.

Toronto's No. 1 starter departed with one out and runners on second and third in the ninth inning. He was relieved by closer Sergio Santos, who struck out Kevin Youkilis and got David Ortiz to ground out and end the game for his first save in a Blue Jays uniform. Romero threw 63 of his 104 pitches for strikes en route to his first quality start of the year.

Lester was almost just as good for Boston, as he limited Toronto's production at the plate. Rajai Davis sparked the Blue Jays with a one-out triple to the corner in right field that scored Eric Thames to even the score at 1-1 in the third. Yunel Escobar followed with a sacrifice fly to right to put Toronto in front for good.

Toronto added an insurance run in the eighth inning, as Davis reached base with a two-out walk. He later took off for second base on a pickoff attempt by Lester but reached safely and later came around to score on an RBI single by Escobar.

Those were the only three runs charged to Lester, who struck out six in eight strong innings. He retired 15 batters in a row from the third inning until the eighth, but still suffered his first loss of the season and first to the Blue Jays since Aug. 20, 2010.

With the victory, the Blue Jays secured their second consecutive series win to start the 2012 season. Toronto's nine-game homestand continues on Friday when it begins a three-game series against Baltimore.

Gregor Chisholm is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, North of the Border, and follow him on Twitter @gregorMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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