Boston @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 9, 2010 ) Boston 0, Cleveland 11
Maybe it was the Stephen Strasburg effect.
The Cleveland Indians look to build on a solid performance as they wrap up a four-game series Thursday night against the Boston Red Sox.
Wednesday, the Cleveland Indians found out that they will be Stop No. 2 of the Strasburg Tour at Progressive Field on Sunday. Perhaps the fear of knowing they will be the next victims of the rookie phenom – who struck out 14 in his major league debut – spurred the Indians into realizing it might be time to get their offense cranking.
Or maybe they were just tired of getting their brains beaten in at home.
Whatever the reason, Cleveland finally snapped out of its doldrums Wednesday night, parlaying a magnificent two-hit shutout by Justin Masterson and a late grand slam from Travis Hafner into an 11-0 rout of the Boston Red Sox.
It was the highest run total put up by the Indians this year on their home field, where they have managed a meager nine wins – tied with Milwaukee for the fewest in the majors.
But before they start dwelling upon Strasburg’s arrival with the Washington Nationals, the Indians better hope they left some juice in their bats for what promises to be an ominous task Thursday.
To earn a series split, the Indians will have to solve one baseball’s hottest pitchers in Jon Lester. The Boston left-hander is unbeaten in his last nine starts, going 7-0 in that span while not allowing more than six hits in any outing.
Following an abysmal start to the season, Lester (7-2) has lowered his ERA nearly six runs – from 8.44 to 2.73 – since his last loss on April 18.
He also has won his last four starts, surrendering just three runs and 15 hits in 28 1/3 innings. And if that’s not enough, Lester’s been a bit of a nemesis to the Indians during his career, posting a 3-0 mark with a 3.89 ERA in six lifetime starts against the Indians.
Despite the 11 runs Wednesday night, the Indians’ lineup does not exactly strike fear into an opposing pitcher. Cleveland had managed just three runs on three hits until an eight-run outburst in the eighth that was helped along by the generosity of Boston relievers Boof Bonser and Joe Nelson, who combined to walk five batters in the inning.
Rookie Mitch Talbot (7-4) will get the start for Cleveland. He has a decision in each of his 11 starts and has shown a particular affinity for the Sox – at least those of the white variety.
Three of Talbot’s seven wins have come against the Chicago White Sox, including his last time out when he allowed one run on six hits in seven innings in a 3-1 win.
The Indians have given ample support to their rookie right-hander, scoring 46 runs in his seven victories.