After a heartbreaking loss to the Indians, the Red Sox will look to get back on track against Cleveland in game two of the two's three-game set at Progressive Field. The Sox led the Tribe 2-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth, when Daniel Bard allowed a pair of RBIs to Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera that ultimately gave the Indians the game, 3-2.
The Red Sox will send Josh Beckett to hill to hopefully snap their funk against these Indians. Beckett is coming off a no-decision against the Tigers, when he was pulled from the game with a stiff neck. Beckett pitched six strong innings, giving up one earned run on five hits while fanning three. In his career against Cleveland, Beckett is 3-5 with a 5.55 ERA in eight career starts
The Indians will counter with their staff ace, right-hander Fausto Carmona. Fortunately for the Red Sox, Carmona is coming off one of his worst outings of the season; pitching five innings and giving up eight earned runs on seven hits against the White Sox. Over his career, Carmona is 2-3 with a 3.44 ERA against Boston.
Dustin Pedroia will not be in lineup tonight, but it's not for health concerns. Terry Francona had originally scheduled Pedroia for an off day, and believes Pedroia will be back in the lineup tomorrow. Meanwhile, it's a Jason Varitek day behind the plate, as Beckett is the pitcher. Jed Lowrie will slide up the the two-hole, as new second baseman Drew Sutton will assume the ninth spot in the lineup. Here is the complete lineup:
1. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
2. Jed Lowrie, SS
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jason Varitek, C
8. Carl Crawford, LF
9. Drew Sutton, 2B
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Go Sox!