The Red Sox moved within two games of AL East-leading Tampa Bay, which lost to Detroit earlier in the day.

If Tampa Bay wins any of its three remaining games, or if Boston loses any of its last three, the Rays will become the very unexpected winner of the division crown. If Boston and Tampa Bay finish the regular season tied, the Rays will win the division because they captured the season series from Boston.

Boston, which has clinched at least a wild-card playoff berth, took a 5-0 lead through two innings and coasted from there thanks to quality pitching.

Lester (16-6) gave up a run on two hits and struck out four over six innings.

Jeremy Sowers (4-9) took the loss, allowing five runs on seven hits in six innings.

Mark Kotsay delivered an RBI double to finish off a three-run first inning. Jed Lowrie doubled home a run in the second and then scored on a single by Kevin Youkilis.

Youkilis hit a solo homer in the seventh, his 28th blast of the season.