Lester Throws No-no

Jon Lester is the second young Red Sox pitcher and former Portland Sea Dog in eight months to pitch a no-hitter.

The 24-year-old lefty, who survived cancer to pitch the clincher of Boston's 2007 World Series victory, shut down Kansas City 7-0 last night. It's the first no-hitter in the majors this season.

Boston's last no-hitter was pitched by Clay Buchholz, who shut down the Baltimore Orioles in just his second major league start last September 1.

There have been 18 no-hitters in Red Sox history.

Last night's game also marks catcher Jason Varitek's record fourth time behind the plate for a no-hitter. He also caught Buchholz last year, and no-hitters by Hideo Nomo in 2001 and Derek Lowe in 2002.

The last Red Sox lefty to throw a no-hitter was Mel Parnell, who beat the Chicago White Sox on July 14, 1956.

Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan is the only other person in history to no-hit the Royals.