Lester outduels Bannister in Red Sox victory

Jon Lester produced another masterpiece against the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park.

And it was his worst performance against them at home.

Lester (8-6) allowed four hits in eight innings in Boston's 1-0 victory Friday night. That wasn't as good as the no-hitter he threw against them on May 19, 2008 or the one hit he gave them in eight scoreless innings on July 18, 2006.

"Obviously, he was terrific," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "He had to be because their guy was so good."

Brian Bannister (6-7) limited Boston to one hit through seven innings before leaving a pitch too far over the plate that Dustin Pedroia was able to lift off the left-field wall for the tiebreaking double in the eighth.