In the first of a three-game series between the Boston Red Sox (25-16) and the Cleveland Indians (21-17) at Fenway Park, Clay Buchholz (2-3, 6.11 ERA) and Corey Kluber (2-5, 4.30 ERA) get the start. The game gets underway at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 20 and will air on STOh and NESN.
In his last start, Buchholz pitched 6.0 innings, allowing five runs, striking out five and walking three in a 6-5 victory over the Astros. Jackie Bradley Jr. (.338, 21 Rs, 7 HRs, 32 RBIs, 2 SBs) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 3 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Indians were unsuccessful against the Twins 6-3 the last time Kluber pitched. He went 6.2 innings, giving up four runs, striking out seven and walking three. Carlos Santana (.237, 20 Rs, 7 HRs, 21 RBIs, 2 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Indians, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, two home runs, and four RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Red Sox have the most prolific offense in the entire AL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Red Sox lead the AL in hits with 10.5 per game. The Red Sox are a nightmare on the bases for opponents with 31 steals, one of the highest totals in baseball. Over their past 10 games, Boston’s pitchers have been playing lights out, only allowing 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Cleveland batters, who rank fifth in the AL with 9.4 strikeouts per road game. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Cleveland pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. They have a WHIP of 1.183, fifth best in the MLB.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
The Red Sox are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Indians have a 1-6 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Red Sox are 1-10. The Indians have a 3-9 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 21st in home runs, Cleveland has hit 38 this season. Boston ranks ninth with 49 home runs.
Ranking first in hits, Boston has earned 10.54 per game this season. Cleveland ranks eighth with 8.97 hits.
Boston ranks at the top of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage of .843. Cleveland ranks in the top half at 13th with an OPS of .733.
When the Indians allow at least one home run, they are 13-13. When the Red Sox allow one or more homers, they have a 16-12 record.
