Red Sox pitcher Lester tosses no-hitter

BOSTON (Reuters) - Boston Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester became the first pitcher in the major leagues to toss a no-hitter this season in his team's 7-0 win over the Kansas City Royals at Fenway Park on Monday.

The 24-year-old Lester, who missed the end of the 2006 season after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, pitched the clinching game in Boston's World Series victory last October.

He struck out nine on Monday and walked just two batters in his first career complete game.

"I've been through a lot the last couple of years," an emotional Lester told reporters. "I'm sure it will hit me in the morning.

"This is great. How many people get to say they've won the World Series? And a no-hitter is a no-hitter. How many people can say they've done that?

"So they're both up there. They both mean a heck of a lot to me, and something I'll cherish for a long time."

Lester allowed just two base runners, walks to Billy Butler in the second and a lead-off walk to Esteban German in the ninth.

CROWD CHEERED

He completed the feat by striking out Alberto Callaspo in the ninth inning before pumping both fists in the air as the sellout crowd cheered and rose to its feet.