Like other Sox fans, Beth watched in horror as Jon Lester crumpled to the mound last night:

... The attachment to Jon Lester is deeper and more personal than for many other players among Sox fans, a feeling embodied perfectly by the way Tito gently touched his head, then shoulders, once Lester was on his feet again, as if he were his own child.

I had tears in my eyes watching Lester roll around next to the mound and grimace in agony, clutching his knee. Nobody wants to see that with any player--but with Lester, our homegrown boy, our survivor, seeing him in that kind of pain was especially cruel. ...

Red, meanwhile, considers the Captain:

... One thing that both sides agree on, however, is that Jason Varitek should be used only in emergency situations from here on out. Aliens taking over the world and holding Victor Martinez in the mothership? Well, call Fisk and Bob Montgomery. If they're not available, then let Tek catch. End of story. ...

Beth reviews the evidence after last night's game.

Peter: I sat there with my mouth open half the time:

... It was a fun game to watch as the outs mounted and the tension grew. ...

Cyn says she is fed up with the Lugo haters:

... Idiots. That what you all are, those of you who booed Julio Lugo yesterday. Funny, I didn't hear any boos for the pitcher who gave up 10 hits in just over four innings. The guy who gave up 8 runs - all of them EARNED - in a game the Sox lost by nine runs. A guy who many had pegged to be this year's Cy Young winner who couldn't make it out of the fifth inning. Where were Jon Lester's boos? ...

That's what some Sox fans were this morning and what the Sox are today.

Dan Miller: This is why they invented coffee. Vickie shows us the dark smudges under her eyes.

Red: Substitute Ass Kicker Kicks Ass.

Peter on Lester: WOW!

Watching Jon Lester wriggle out of early inning mini-jams and then getting stronger and stronger as the game rolled by made me say just that after his brilliant outing was finished. ...

Rob notes last night was a good one for Sox players whose first names begin with J.

Singapore Sox Fan: Ah, that Jason Bay homer was so good.

My favorite play was Ellsbury's catch: First he races all the way in to slide for the ball, then he just pops it up with his gloved hand and catches it with the other, like, "Hey, that was pretty damn cool, wasn't it?!?"

Adam Hart liveblogged the game.

Or is it too early to coronate Jon Lester?

Rob: Thank God we're playing the Yankees.

Kim: I love shutting out the Yankees in their own backyard:

I also love it when one of our pitchers gets to complete his game. Congratulations, Lester!

Riggs: Thanks, Jon.

Jeff Louderbeck: Boston's bullpen did not hurt the team tonight. Jon Lester wouldn't let it.

Red basically asks: How 'bout that Johan Santana trade?

Empyreal Environs sums it up:

Alberto Callaspo took the dish, representing what could be the final out or the undoing of eight and two-thirds innings of dominance. Lester worked him inside and high with heat. Just when Callaspo thought he got down Lester's timing and location, the lefty hurled his fastball high and outside. The utility infielder's bat casted itself after empty air, quick as a clapstick signaling the beginning of the scene.

Only at Fenway is the reality better than any script.

Red describes the first couple of minutes after the last out:

... I love the fact that Tito basically forgets himself, loses his shit, then suddenly turns, trying not to look at the cameras, and scampers off. Lovely stuff, and I'll admit that it achieved "last five minutes of Field of Dreams" status as a clip that can reduce me to tears almost instantly. ...

Lester, Lester, Lester!

Kristen couldn't ask for anything more:

... So Jon Lester. Two thumbs up. And, because I'd be remiss not to mention it, Mr. Covelli Crisp with the four-hit night. Not only does he play defense but he enjoys hitting the ball as well! Who knew? Apparently, he's just decided to do it all his own self. I expect we've got another week before he intercepts a reliever coming out of the bullpen and mows down the opposing hitters himself. I look forward to it.

Rob also savors the win, but adds:

Lester still seems to me to be a stop-gap measure until Schilling returns to the rotation.

Red appreciates the way NESN kept the cameras on as Lester walked to the mound, panning around the Sox fans rising to their feet - although he wishes they didn't then immediately cut away to commercials:

I know you gotta keep the advertisers happy, but couldn't the powers that be at NESN just say, "Look here, Sullivan Tire and WB Mason, Jon freakin' Lester's back tonight, so we'll get to your horsesh-t next inning." ...

Cyn appreciates a gracious Julian Tavarez.

Bruce rounds up the media reaction.

Basegirl: The phrase, "triumphant return" has perhaps never been so true.

Bruce Allen provides the media roundup on Lester's start tonight.