Yes!

There are a lot of pictures of Jon Lester floating around right now, and God knows he deserves it.  But last night Jacoby Ellsbury saved the no-hitter, albeit well in advance of many people (including myself) thinking about such a possibility.   It was one of those plays (like Pedroia's grab during Clay's gem last year) that adds depth to the hermeticism of a "no-hitter", a term describing the accomplishment of shutting down an opponent that veils the individual plays which make such an event possible.

We've discussed it at this site several times, and even considering the troubles with the youngsters in the Bronx at the moment, it sure is nice for both of our fan-bases to have young, home-grown players for whom we root.  Sox fans are getting a taste of what Yankee fans felt during the run of the late 90s, a fine squad of veterans mixed with talented youngsters, and it's tremendously enjoyable (when it works, of course!). Last night was another reminder of growing up, of my youth, when a first outing (or a first or second season) by a highly touted farmhand was met with anticipation and excitement, that excitement further heightened by accomplishment.

Congratulations (and thanks) to Jon Lester. And, by extension (literally!), Jacoby Ellsbury.