MLB: Boston 1, Kansas City 0

BOSTON, July 10 (UPI) -- Dustin Pedroia doubled home the game's only run in the eighth Friday and Jon Lester won his third straight decision in Boston's 1-0 win over Kansas City.

Lester battled with Brian Bannister in a tremendous duel that saw the teams combine for just seven hits.

The Red Sox finally broke through in the eighth, with Mark Kotsay reaching on a single to open the inning. Aaron Bates ran for Kotsay and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Nick Green.

J.D. Drew then struck out but Bates moved to third on a wild pitch and scored when Pedroia doubled on a 1-1 pitch from Bannister (6-7).

Lester (8-6) gave up four hits and struck out eight over eight innings.

Jonathan Papelbon worked a perfect ninth to record his 23rd save.

Kansas City put two runners on with no one out in the seventh, but Miguel Olivo flew into a double play and John Buck grounded out to end the inning.