In a post I made on opening day, I showed that, going back as far as Baseball-Reference.com has records (1914), Jon Lester was tied for the 22nd longest string of at bats to start a career without a hit at 36 (and tied for 19th when going by plate appearances at 43). Now in the national league, he has quickly ascended these lists, going 0-for-18 on the season to take sole possession of third place on the list. His 54 at bats and 61 plate appearances without a hit are exceeded only by second-place Ron Herbel , at 55 AB and 63 PA (in 1964 and 1965), and first-place Joey Hamilton, at 57 AB and 66 PA (in 1994 and 1995).
Jon Lester pitches tonight for the Cubs. A hitless performance tonight puts him in second place, and may tie him for first. I’m sure it’s not a record he wants, but perhaps it speaks to his high value as a pitcher.
UPDATE: Jon Lester went 0 for 3, tying the record for most at bats to start a career without a hit.
The Baseballsphere Blog 
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