Boston @ Cleveland preview

Last Meeting ( Apr 16, 2013 ) Boston 7, Cleveland 2

The Boston Red Sox gave their fans something to smile about after the horrific bombings in the city Monday by beating the Cleveland Indians 7-2 a little more than 24 hours later. The Red Sox attempt to extend their winning streak to five in the second of a three-game series at Cleveland on Wednesday. Free-agent signing Mike Napoli leads the Red Sox with 14 RBIs, while Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia are doing the job getting on base in front of him with 15 hits each.

The Indians are 2-4 with two games left on their homestand and will send their ace Justin Masterson, who started his career with the Red Sox, to the mound in search of his fourth victory. Cleveland got catcher Carlos Santana back from a minor hand injury, but could still be without center fielder Michael Bourn (finger) and second baseman Jason Kipnis (elbow).

TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, New England Sports Network (Boston), SportsTime Ohio (Cleveland)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Red Sox RH Alfredo Aceves (0-0, 6.75 ERA) vs. Indians RH Justin Masterson (3-0, 0.41)

Aceves has taken John Lackey’s spot in the rotation while he recovers from a biceps strain. Aceves allowed two runs on six hits over five innings in his first start April 11 against Baltimore. The right-hander has started only 10 games in his career -- none in 2012. Aceves has given up two runs in 7 2/3 innings against Cleveland in his career. Mark Reynolds is 4-for-12 with two homers against him.

Masterson has been brilliant in his first three starts of the season, allowing 10 hits and one run over 22 innings while striking out 20. The right-hander pitched a complete-game, five-hit shutout to beat the Chicago White Sox 1-0 last Friday. The sinker-ball pitcher is 3-1 lifetime against the Red Sox with a 3.21 ERA in 33 2/3 innings. Will Middlebrooks is 2-for-3 with a homer against Masterson.

WALK-OFFS

1. Indians RHP Scott Kazmir allowed one earned run and five hits in five innings in his first rehab start at Triple-A Columbus on Monday.

2. Boston has won the first five series openers and is off to its best start 2006 when it also won nine of the first 13.

3. Cleveland manager Terry Francona also faced the Red Sox, who he led to two World Series titles, when he was at the helm of the Philadelphia Phillies and went 8-5.

PREDICTION: Indians 6, Red Sox 2