Before we get to the fact that Jon Lester is vying to become the first pitcher since Nolan Ryan in 1973 (Kansas City and Detroit) to throw two no-hitters in a season (the only time in the last 56 years), let me pass along the words of old friend Brendan Donnelly said that every time he faces Alex Cora, who led off the fourth for the Sox with a ground out, there are around 10 pitches per plate appearances.

I will have more on Donnelly later, but let’s go to the tape on Donnelly’s claim: Cora only faced the reliever six times, notching one hit and one walk. Other than that, I can’t find pitches per plate appearance for individual match-ups. Any help would be appreciated.

I just got Ben Francisco in the press box no-hit pool (the player who could potentially break up the no-hitter). It could be worse. Francisco, who came in hitting .346 on fastballs from lefty pitchers, has grounded out twice.

Lester just got through his fifth inning, having thrown first-pitch strikes to nine of his 17 batters and totaled 72 pitches.