Gary From Chapel Hill checks in with some good postscript material from Lester’s first inning: the southpaw has allowed 2+ hits in the first inning eight times this year during regular season, and six times on the road. Also – with two outs and runners in scoring position during the first three innings, Lester’s opponents are now 0-for-15 since a July 5 homer by Houston’s Mark Loretta.

J.D. Drew remains a rather unpopular fellow in Southern California, it would seem. The crowd offered its disapproval of a player who decided to opt out of his five-year contract with the neighboring Dodgers.

Before batting practice, Drew informed colleague Rob Bradford that he was not worried about his physical condition as much as he was his timing at the plate. (That may be misguided, based on his history after three or more weeks on the sidelines.) He’s been doing tons of sit-ups in order to keep strength in his core and prevent further back woes. He grounded out to second. Jason Bay followed by punching out, and Mike Lowell hit an inning-ending liner to left. Lackey looks sharp, having required just 25 pitches through two innings.