Jon Lester came into tonight’s game against the Orioles with a 14-0 record in 20 starts against Baltimore. The Orioles ended that streak as they defeated Boston 4-2, Lester giving up all four runs during his seven innings on the mound. The Red Sox had more opportunities for big hits, recording seven at bats with runners in scoring position to just four for Baltimore. Each team recorded two hits in those situations. The Orioles were able to score Adam Jones from first on a Matt Wieters double, however, and that run proved to be the difference in the game.

Baltimore keeps pace with the Yankees, and moves a game ahead of Oakland for the first wild card slot. If the standings stay like this, the Orioles would host the wild card game, the winner of which would head to Texas.

This actually might be a year in which the AL wins leader is at a disadvantage. Right now, the Yankees would play the White Sox in the first round of the playoffs, and I’d rather play the White Sox than Baltimore or Oakland right now.