FORT MYERS, Fla. - The Sox dropped a 7-6 decision to the Cincinnati Reds in a game that lasted a numbing 3:21 and ended with Jed Lowrie, representing the tying run, being thrown out at the plate in the bottom of the ninth.

Jon Lester, who failed to get out of the second inning Saturday in his first start, fared far better, allowing one run in three innings.

“Obviously, this was a lot better,” said Lester. “I took some steps in the right direction today and I’m very pleased with that. There was nothing wrong mechanically (last time) and there was nothing I worked on between starts. I think it was just the consistency (improved), and I felt more comfortable.”

Kevin Cash had a two-run single for the Sox in the second inning. Manny Delcarmen and Hideki Okajima both turned in perfect innings of relief.

Javier Lopez was roughed up for five runs in the sixth and Brandon Moss had a rough time at first base, misplaying an in-between hop on a grounder and failing to scoop a low throw from Mike Lowell.

“We don’t want to bail on him there,” said manager Terry Francona. “The more he’s over there, the more the game will slow down for him.”

-SEAN McADAM