BOSTON -- This one can't be blamed on Jon Lester.
In his best start in a month, Lester allowed three runs over eight innings, but his teammates produced just two hits as the Red Sox were shut out by the Minnesota Twins, 5-0.
It was the fifth time this season that the Sox have been held scoreless.
Worse, they were beaten by 29-year-old journeyman Sam Deduno, who was making just his fifth career start in the majors. The Sox didn't collect a hit off him until Adrian Gonzalez doubled to left with one out in the fourth. The only other hit off Deduno was also by Gonzalez -- a two-out single in the sixth.
Deduno walked four in six innings, but the Sox couldn't capitalize on his wildness, going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The Twins, who entered the night with third-worst record in the league, used two two-out hits off Lester to score twice in the third. A two-out double by Ryan Doumit in the sixth accounted for the third run off Lester.
Brian Dozier added a two-run homer off Alfredo Aceves in the ninth to pad the lead.
The loss was the second straight for the Red Sox and dropped them back to the .500 mark (53-53). They dropped to 15-25 in games started by Lester and Josh Beckett.
STAR OF THE GAME: Sam DedunoMaking just the fifth start of his major league career, Deduno limited the Sox to just two hits -- both by Adrian Gonzalez -- through six innings, becoming the first Twins pitcher since Scott Erickson in 1992 to throw at least six innings with two hits or fewer.
HONORABLE MENTION: Brian DozierThe Minnesota shortstop collected three hits, scored twice and knocked in two runs. His two-run homer in the ninth off reliever Alfredo Aceves sealed the victory for Minnesota.
GOAT OF THE GAME: Red Sox offenseGive Deduno credit, but some blame must go to the Red Sox for being shut out. The Sox were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and didn't take advantage of the four walks Deduno issued.
TURNING POINT: In the sixth inning, the Sox got a two-out single from Gonzalez followed by a walk, but couldn't capitalize. They didn't get a baserunner over the final three innings.
BY THE NUMBERS: Adrian Gonzalez has walked in three straight games after going without a walk in the previous 29 games.
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I threw the hell out of the ball tonight. I don't think I've thrown in better all year.'' Jon Lester.