Boston starting pitcher Jon Lester delivers a pitch during the first inning of yesterday’s game.

AP / Frank Franklin II

NEW YORK –– Jon Lester said after his last outing in Toronto that he couldn’t wait to take the mound at Yankee Stadium.

It wasn’t because he’s a sentimental guy and thought starting the final regular-season game between the Red Sox and Yankees at Yankee Stadium would be a lifelong memory. Boston’s left-hander wanted the ball to redeem himself from a horrid outing against the Blue Jays, against whom he lasted only 2 1/3 innings and allowed seven runs on eight hits.

“You obviously don’t want to go back out there and throw two innings again and give up seven runs again,” he said. “Like I said in Toronto, it’s just one of those deals where I had to move forward and forget about it.”

That fifth day arrived in the Bronx yesterday and he was ready, looking completely different from his last outing and more like the pitcher we’ve seen all season. He lasted 6 2/3 innings and allowed only one run on five hits with no walks and eight strikeouts.

“I thought he was tremendous,” Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. “His fastball was explosive and he threw all his pitches. He was tremendous. It’s a shame the way the game ended.”

Unfortunately for Lester and the Red Sox, he had to settle for a no-decision as the Yankees finished with a 3-2 victory.

“I felt pretty good,” said Lester. “I feel like I had some pretty good stuff early on. I got myself into some jams and out of some jams. It wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but we had a good road trip, and hopefully we can carry this momentum back home and continue to play well.”

jmcdonal@projo.com