NEW YORK (Reuters) - Jon Lester tossed a complete-game shutout to help the visiting Boston Red Sox beat their arch-rival New York Yankees 7-0 and end a five-game losing streak on Thursday.
In the first clash of a four-game series, the Red Sox left-hander struck out eight New York batters and allowed just five hits to record his seventh victory of the season.
"I think it was a good all-around team win tonight," Lester told reporters. "We definitely needed it."
The Yankees were shut out just one day after their offense exploded for 18 runs against the Texas Rangers, responding to owner Hank Steinbrenner's criticism of the team's hitting.
Robinson Cano and Melky Cabrera had two hits apiece in New York's quiet day at the plate.
Boston (51-37) jumped on Yankees starter Andy Pettitte from the outset, scoring two runs apiece in the first two innings. Pettitte lasted just 4 2/3 innings, allowing five runs.
Red Sox left fielder Jacoby Ellsbury came through with a two-run double in the second to put his team out front 4-0.
J.D. Drew, named the American League Player of the Month in June, continued his hot hitting, going 2-for-5 with a run scored.
Center fielder Coco Crisp added two hits for Boston and Jason Varitek, mired in a recent 0-for-17 slump, had an RBI single in the eighth inning.
The Yankees fell to 45-41, dropping back to eight games behind the first-place Tampa Rays in the American League East Division.
New York manager Joe Girardi had a closed-door meeting with his team after the game, declining to divulge exactly what was discussed.
"We have to get better, that's the bottom line," Girardi said. "Everybody has to get better and it starts with me. We're a much better team than we played."
(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Ed Osmond)
