Boston @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 12, 2012 ) Boston 14, Cleveland 1

Terry Francona won two World Series titles in eight years as manager of the Boston Red Sox before being fired at the end of the 2011 season. Francona faces his former team for the first time since his unceremonious departure when the Cleveland Indians host the Red Sox on Tuesday to start a three-game set. Francona said recently he has great memories of his time with Boston, but is focused on his job with the Indians.

Cleveland comes in after winning two of three against the Chicago White Sox and will likely be without injured starters Jason Kipnis and Michael Bourn. Boston is off to an 8-4 start after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays, including two walk-off victories. The Red Sox have gotten outstanding starting pitching and just enough clutch hitting while designated hitter David Ortiz continues to rehab from an Achilles injury. Mike Napoli leads the Sox with 11 RBIs.

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, NESN (Boston), STO (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox LH Felix Doubront (0-0, 5.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (0-1, 6.97)

Doubront was scheduled to pitch Friday, but got pushed back because of a rainout. The left-hander put Boston in position for a win at Toronto in his first start April 5 by giving up three runs on nine hits over five innings. Doubront struck out six and did not walk a batter. He fanned 167 in 161 innings last season. Doubront is 1-1 in two starts against Cleveland, allowing five runs over 10 1/3 innings.

The Indians are still waiting for Jimenez to find his 2010 form when he was 19-8 with the Colorado Rockies. The 29-year-old is 13-22 with Cleveland, including an 11-6 loss to the New York Yankees on April 8. Jimenez pitched well in his first start, allowing one run in six innings against the Toronto Blue Jays. Jimenez is 1-1 in three career starts against the Red Sox, giving up 16 runs in 16 innings.

WALK-OFFS

1. Boston 2B Dustin Pedroia has reached base safely at least once in the first 12 games, a career high to start the season.

2. Cleveland C Carlos Santana is off to a hot start with 13 hits in 26 at-bats, including two homers.

3. Boston OF-DH Jonny Gomes is 5-for-12 against Jimenez, including a pair of home runs.

PREDICTION: Indians 5, Red Sox 4