Some stories are not meant to be improved
Through generations' changeless retellings.
Some theories are not to be disproved
Despite new and uncertain rebellings.
And so what seems inviolate remains
So, as we know that it is meant to be.
The ancient archetypes combat the pains
Of every epoch, blessed by destiny.

The adversary's apathy this time.
The jaded know the real underdogs are
The favored fate would upset. The sublime
Deserve not awe but pity. We would jar
Conventions. Let the villains and those deemed
Evil have days in court, show we were wrong.
Let everything apparent that once seemed
Secure be shattered. Let the unsung's song
Blare cynicism till the day we need
Champions more than ever to fulfill
Predestined roles when roused. An awesome deed
Is done, and somehow we can marvel still.

The Red Sox' Jon Lester pitched a 7-0 no-hitter against the Royals tonight. He struck out nine, and walked only two. Nonetheless, it took him 130 pitches to complete the task.

He becomes the eighth pitcher since 1956 to need at least 130 pitches to complete a nine-inning no-hitter. Here are the first seven, in order of pitches.

 

Name	Date	Tm	Opp	BB	SO	**Pit**	Str
Randy Johnson	6/2/1990	SEA	DET	6	8	138	88
Sandy Koufax	6/30/1962	LAD	NYM	5	13	138	80
Bud Smith	9/3/2001	STL	@SDP	4	7	134	78
Dwight Gooden	5/14/1996	NYY	SEA	6	5	134	74
Kent Mercker	4/8/1994	ATL	@LAD	4	10	131	85
Tommy Greene	5/23/1991	PHI	@MON	7	10	130	77
Nolan Ryan	6/11/1990	TEX	@OAK	2	14	130	86

An unassisted triple play is not
The culmination of tension that grows
Throughout a game. The tension of a spot
That such a play can come in only shows

Through offense. Unassisted triple plays
Can only come under a threat Two on
Or three, nobody out-offensive days
Are made of such, until at once they're gone

Within a blinding instant. Unassisted
Triple plays change momentum, not imply
The victors. There are few tales of eyes misted
In memory recalling them. But why?

Ephemeral but brilliant, the un-
Assisted play's one moment in the sun.