The Cleveland Indians head into Fenway Park for the first time since the 2007 ALCS when the Boston Red Sox eliminated them in 7 games. A lot was expected of the Indians this season but some injuries to key players early on in the season derailed their hopes of returning to the playoffs.
The Red Sox enter tonight’s game with a chance to clinch a playoff spot. Right now they can do no worse than a 1 game playoff for the wild card. An AL East title is still within their grasp as they sit just 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for 1st place. The Red Sox have their final 7 games at home while the Rays play their final 8 games on the road. So I’ll let the immortal Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics take it from here.
Josh Beckett will be the one who looks to help the Red Sox clinch a spot tonight with his right arm. He has not faced the Indians this season and is 1-3 with a 6.57 ERA in 4 starts. However, he is 1-1 with a 1.80 ERA (3 ER/15.0 IP) in his last 2 starts vs. the Tribe.
Eric Wedge hands the ball to Zach Johnson who will be making his second appearance and 1st start against the Red Sox. His only appearance against them came as a member of the Milwaukee Brewers back in 2006. He threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and 2 walks.
Adam Kilgore of the Boston Globe has a look at the Red Sox offense as of late. He also has some updates on the health of Mike Lowell and J.D. Drew.
Alex Speier of WEEI.com takes a look at what healthy pitching in October can do for you.
Gary Marbry of WEEI.com has some Monday nuggets for us.
78-77
1. Grady Sizemore, CF
2. Jamey Carroll, 3B
3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
4. Jhonny Peralta, SS
5. Travis Hafner, DH
6. Ben Francisco, LF
7. Ryan Garko, 1B
8. Kelly Shoppach, C
9. Asdrubal Cabrera, 2B
— Zach Jackson, SP
91-64
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. David Ortiz, DH
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. Jason Bay, LF
6. Jed Lowrie, SS
7. Mark Kotsay, RF
8. Jason Varitek, C
9. Jeff Bailey, 1B
— Josh Beckett, SP
And here is how the hitters have fared against tonight’s starting pitchers courtesy of Baseball Reference.
