Game Previews

Game #115: Boston Red Sox (56-60) at Cleveland Indians (54-61)

By Mike Brandyberry

Last night the Indians used offense from the newly acquired Brent Lillibridge and a squeeze bunt from Lou Marson to post a 5-2 victory. Zach McAllister threw eight solid innings and Chris Perez locked down his 31st save to stifle the Red Sox for the second time in three games.

This afternoon the Indians will look to take three of four games in the series from Boston. The Red Sox are trying to fool themselves into believing they are still in playoff contention, but at six games back in the wild card, a loss today could be the final nail in the coffin to their playoff hopes. They already have three teams to pass to reach the top of the wild card standings.

Cleveland will send Corey Kluber (0-0, 6.10 ERA) will make his third start of the 2012 season today. Kluber pitched into the seventh inning against Minnesota last Tuesday, but received a no-decision when Perez and the bullpen couldn’t hold the lead. He’s rebounded nicely from his first inning of the season, allowing six runs to the Kansas City Royals on August 2. Since then, Kluber has used his slider and mixed his pitches better to keep hitters off balance. In his last start on August 7 he was, “effectively wild in the zone,” according to Indians manager Manny Acta.

Boston will counter with left-handed starter Jon Lester (5-10, 5.36) who has certainly seen better days in Major League Baseball. Lester, a two-time All-Star, has won at least 15 games each season since 2008 but has not been able to find his stride with new pitching coach Bob McClure. He has not won since June 27 when he defeated the Toronto Blue Jays. Since his last win Lester is 0-5, with a 7.49 ERA in seven starts including a 6-3 loss last Tuesday against the Texas Rangers.

The Tribe will try to improve upon their 13-24 record against southpaw starters. Last night they were able to beat lefty, Franklin Morales. They’ll attempt to win back-to-back games against left-handed starters since June 30 and July 1 in Baltimore. The Indians are a Major League worst against southpaws.

Acta announced yesterday that right-handed starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez would make his first start of the 2012 season on Wednesday in Los Angeles against the Angels. Hernandez has made four minor league starts since returning from the Dominican Republic. Hernandez was unable to obtain a U.S. visa for seven months when his identity was called in to question. A roster move will have to be made to activate Hernandez, who is expected to take Chris Seddon’s spot in the rotation.

Game action begins at 1:05 pm from Progressive Field with all the game action seen on SportsTime Ohio and heard on the Indians Radio Network.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Jason Donald, 2B
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, DH
3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
4. Carlos Santana, 1B
5. Shelley Duncan, LF
6. Brent Lillibridge, SS
7. Lou Marson, C
8. Jack Hannahan, 3B
9. Ezequiel Carrera, CF