The Indians swept the Rockies this weekend. We’ve won 3 in a row and are riding high. Enter the Boston Red Sox, who have won 7 games in a row. The teams have similar records so far this season–Boston is 27-29 and the Indians are 27-30. They’re hot; we’re kind of streaky. What will happen tonight? Eh, your guess is as good as mine. This is the first time the Indians have faced the Red Sox this season. Last season, the Red Sox kind of smacked the Tribe around, taking 6 of 7 games. However, Cleveland wins the lifetime match-up, 1,025-969.
Justin Masterson (2-4, 5.21) will start for the Indians against right-hader John Lackey (6-3, 3.27). The last time these pitchers faced each other was just over a year ago (May 24, 2013). That day, Boston won 8-1. What do we have going for us tonight? Well, the Indians are playing at home, where they’re currently 18-11 (.621). Oddly enough, over the last 10 meetings against Boston, Cleveland’s only two wins (on 5/23/2013 and 8/11/2012) went to Zach McAllister, who is having a bad season and is on the DL. Go figure.
Boston is, of course. Terry Francona’s old team. (You know, the one he took to the World Series.) Masterson also played for Francona in Boston, so there is always some inter-dugout visiting when the Tribe plays the Red Sox. And speaking of visitors, this game will mark Grady Sizemore’s return to Cleveland. Again. Except this time he’ll be wearing a Red Sox uniform.
One quick roster note: The Indians recalled LHP Nick Hagadone from the AAA Colubmus Clippers and optioned RHP Mark Lowe to Columbus.And If you’re wondering what happened to righty Blake Wood (come on, somebody is), he was claimed today by Kansas City Royals on outright waivers.
Your Cleveland Indians starting lineup:
Bourn, CF
Cabrera, SS
Brantley, LF
Kipnis, 2B
Chisenhall, 1B
Giambi, DH
Gomes, C
Murphy, RF
Aviles, 3B
Red Sox starting lineup:
Holt, 1B
Bogaerts, 3B
Pedroia, 2B
Ortiz, DH
Pierzynski, C
Gomes, LF
Sizemore, RF
Drew, SS
Bradley Jr., CF
What is up with Masterson and his lack of command? He couldn’t hit Big Papi’s ego with a beach ball right now. Ricky Vaughn glasses may be in his future.
And, of course, after I post that, he strikes out the side on 9 pitches. We’ll played, sir.
Quick, Jack, say something else disparaging… 😉
if it results in that kind of performance, bring on the disparagingioisityness
Only one team has more home wins, Miami!
again, this begs the question…do we ride the hot hand of a lineup we have now or do we play santana and swisher when they are healthy?
and one last thing…NO ERRORS!!!!!