Lester strong in second rehab start for Drive

Jon Lester's second rehab start went about as well as his first.

The Red Sox hurler allowed three hits while combining with Greenville teammate Travis Beazley to shut out visiting Columbus, 3-0, on Tuesday night.

Lester, who went 7-2 for Boston as a rookie last year before being diagnosed with a form of lymphoma in September, struck out five and walked one in four innings.

"I've been doing all right. I've been getting my pitch count up and getting innings under my belt," said Lester, who hasn't allowed a run in eight innings over two starts for the Drive (2-4). "I felt really good and I feel healthy and that's the important thing."

Lester underwent four months of chemotherapy treatments last year, and tests have not revealed any cancer. He attended Spring Training with Boston, but only pitched against Minor League competition. He is scheduled to make two more starts for Greenville, after which the Red Sox will re-evaluate him.

"That's the plan," Lester said. "I just worry about today and I'm taking it one start at a time. Hopefully I'll be back in Boston soon."

Beazley (1-0) went the final five frames for the win, allowing just five hits without walking a batter and striking out four.

Jonathan Egan gave Greenville the lead with an RBI double in the first, and Jonathan Still connected for a two-run home run in the third.

Wade Townsend (1-1) took the loss for the Catfish (2-4), allowing all three runs on four hits and three walks over three innings. He struck out four.