(Sports Network) - In the third of four weekend games at Boston's historic Fenway Park, the Red Sox play host to the Kansas City Royals tonight.

Last night, Dustin Pedroia knocked in the lone run of the game and Jon Lester hurled eight scoreless innings as Boston nipped Kansas City, 1-0.

Lester (8-6) scattered four hits and two walks while striking out eight for the Red Sox, who have won three of four.

The loss stained a great performance by starter Brian Bannister (6-7), who allowed only three hits and a run over 7 2/3 frames for the Royals, who have dropped three of four.

Jonathan Papelbon closed out the game by retiring the side in order for his 23rd save.

John Smoltz will try to collect his first victory of the season tonight, as he takes the hill for the Red Sox.

Since being activated on June 25th the veteran twirler has been roughed up in two of his three starts and that includes allowing five runs on 10 hits in just six innings of work against Oakland in his last outing.

Smoltz has only made one career appearance against the Royals and it was as a closer. Smoltz nailed down the save with a flawless inning of work.

Taking the mound for the Royals will be Gil Meche, who is winless in his last four starts. Meche is only 4-8 on the year, but the right-hander has pitched better than his record shows.

The last time Meche was on the hill he allowed only two runs against Detroit in 5 2/3 innings of duty. The Louisiana native struck out five batters, but also walked five and in 104 1/3 innings this season Meche has allowed 46 free passes.

Surprisingly Meche has done well against the tough bats of Boston and in nine starts against the Boys from Beantown he has compiled a 5-2 mark with a 3.62 earned run average.

Boston won six of its seven meetings with the Royals last season, including all four matchups at Fenway.