On the mound for Boston in this must-win ballgame is David Price. He posted a 17-9 record with a 3.99 ERA in his first year with the Red Sox. Price was 8-6 with a 4.64 ERA as late as July 5 before going 9-3 with a 3.33 ERA over his last 17 appearances. The pressure now is on Price to translate that solid late-season form here in the playoffs. Despite his sheer talent, Price is still without a postseason victory in his career.
Price’s only two October victories have come out of the pen. He is 0-7 with a 5.27 ERA in eight previous postseason starts. That being said, Price will fancy his chances against the Indians as he has fared extremely well against them of late. He last pitched against Cleveland on Opening Day, limiting the Tribe to two runs and five hits while striking out 10 in six innings.
Apart from Price, the Red Sox also need their hitters to deliver some timely runs today. It’s crucial for the Red Sox that they get their bats going quickly in Game 2. Expected to lead the Boston attack today is David Ortiz. He led the Red Sox in homers (38) and RBIs (127) this season. He is 4-of-16 against Cleveland starter Corey Kluber with two homers and four RBIs. Ortiz went 1-of-4 last night in Game 1.
The Red Sox are 1-4 in their last five road games.
Betting on the Cleveland Indians
After shocking the Red Sox, 5-4, in Game 1, manager Terry Francona now gives the ball to veteran Corey Kluber. The Indians ace will be making his first appearance for Cleveland since leaving his start in Detroit a week and a half ago due to a mild quadriceps strain. Francona, who will be using a three-man rotation in this series, decided that it would be better for Kluber to be his Game 2 starter so that he can start a potential Game 5 on regular rest.
Kluber anchored the Cleveland rotation this year, notching 18 wins to match his 2014 total. His 227 strikeouts were fifth-best in the American League this season. Kluber’s 3.14 ERA (fourth-best in the AL) was the second-best mark of his sterling six-year career. Kluber has faced the Red Sox nine times before (eight as a starter), going 2-3 with a 4.78 ERA.
With Kluber still a big question mark at this point, the onus is on the Indians hitters to get some early runs on the board. The Indians displayed their power in Game 1, connecting for three homers in a nine-pitch span against Boston starter and 22-game winner Rick Porcello. The Cleveland offense will rely on the red-hot Jason Kipnis to carry them through today. He is 3-of-4 this postseason with a homer and two RBIs. Kipnis is batting .308 in his career against David Price. Another guy who’s expected to contribute this afternoon is Mike Napoli. He led the Indians in RBIs (101) this season. Napoli went 1-of-4 last night against the Red Sox. He is 8-of-36 lifetime against Price with a homer and one RBI.
The Indians are 8-2 in their last 10 home games against the Red Sox.
Writer’s Prediction
The Red Sox even the series at a game apiece with a narrow 5-3 win.
