MLB: Boston 3, Cleveland 0

The Red Sox have struggled heading into their playoff meeting with the Los Angeles Angels next week, but ended a six-game losing streak with a solid pitching performance.

Lester (15-8) retired the first 15 men he faced before giving up a double to Lou Marson in the sixth. He allowed two hits overall and struck out seven in 6 1/3 innings.

Kevin Youkilis drove in the first Boston run with a sacrifice fly in the opening inning and the Red Sox added two in the third on consecutive RBI singles from David Ortiz and Jason Bay.

Carlos Carrasco remained winless in his first taste of major-league action. He has an 0-3 record in four starts, having allowed three runs to the Red Sox on nine hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Copyright 2009 by United Press International.