Cubs' Lester allows 2 HRs in rough 3rd start; Padres cruise
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) - Matt Kemp and Tommy Medica hit towering home runs off Jon Lester on a rough day for the new Chicago Cubs ace in the San Diego Padres' 7-0 victory on Monday.
Lester hadn't allowed a run or walk in two starts and five innings. He was charged with six runs and seven hits before leaving with one out in the fourth. He was scheduled to go four innings.
The left-hander issued a leadoff walk in a two-run second that included former Boston teammate Will Middlebrooks' double.
Kemp crushed an inside fastball to left an inning later that landed on a tent, his second homer of the spring with his new club.
Lester returned for the fourth despite being at 62 pitches, then gave up three more hits, including Medica's two-run shot to center.
Rotation candidate Brandon Morrow threw four scoreless innings for San Diego.
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