Indians at Red Sox
The Fenway Park faithful vented its frustration at Josh Beckett on Thursday - and the rest of the Boston Red Sox aren't hearing any cheers, either. After dropping eight of its last nine overall and 11 of 12 at home, Boston will look to provide a better showing on Friday when it faces the Cleveland Indians.
Cleveland cruised to an 8-3 triumph in the opener of the four-game set on Thursday, its seventh win in 10 games. Michael Brantley had a career-high four hits - including a two-run double in the third inning - before the fans lowered the boom on Beckett.
TV: 7:10 p.m. ET, STO (Cleveland), NESN (Boston)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Indians RH Ubaldo Jimenez (3-2, 4.04 ERA) vs. Red Sox RH Clay Buchholz (3-1, 9.09 ERA)
Jimenez rebounded from his worst start of the season by offering arguably his best. The 28-year-old Dominican scattered two hits over seven scoreless innings in Cleveland's 4-2 triumph over Texas on Sunday. Jimenez struggled his lone appearance versus Boston, permitting six runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings in a no-decision.
Buchholz labored in his sixth straight start by permitting five runs for the third time this season. The 27-year-old lasted only 3 2/3 innings versus Baltimore on Sunday, but was credited with a no-decision in Boston's 9-6 loss. Buchholz, who has the worst ERA in the majors, has allowed 34 runs and 47 hits in 32 2/3 innings in 2012. Buchholz has permitted 10 homers - two shy of Los Angeles Angels hurler Ervin Santana for the league lead.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Dustin Pedroia extended his hitting streak to 11 games by leading off the seventh inning with a homer. Pedroia has limited experience against Jimenez, going 1-for-3 with two strikeouts.
2. Cleveland's Jason Kipnis has feasted on Boston pitching, belting four homers in five career games. The second-year player has yet to face Buchholz.
3. Indians first baseman Casey Kotchman has six hits - including three doubles - in 11 career at-bats versus Buchholz.