Indians have Red Sox on brink of elimination
Cleveland has been masterful in building a 2-0 ALDS lead over Boston. But can Terry Francona’s club slam the door at Fenway Park?
The two squads meet again this afternoon, with a 4 p.m. ET first pitch in Beantown. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Red Sox odds of -144 to extend their season, whereas the Indians represent +134 underdogs. The over/under run total rests at 9.5.
John Ferrell’s crew finds itself in a must-win situation after dropping back-to-back affairs in Northeast Ohio. Celebrated sluggers like David Ortiz, Mookie Betts and Hanley Ramirez were largely kept silent by Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber and the Tribe’s cavalcade of quality relievers. Boston hasn’t had much success against today’s Cleveland hurler, Josh Tomlin (13-9, 4.40 ERA), either.
Meanwhile, the host team pins its hopes on Clay Buchholz (8-10, 4.78). Following a brutal start to the year, the veteran performed a massive course correction in the second half. Buccholz compiled a 4-1 record with a 1.15 WHIP in his last 10 appearances. He was particularly good in September, permitting just 23 hits across 28 2/3 innings.
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The Texas native obviously knows how to handle the October stage, too, having won two World Series titles. Tomlin certainly acquitted himself well down the stretch, but is he ready to thrust the dagger into the heart of the AL East champs? We simply don’t envision Ortiz & Co. going quietly into the night.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: RED SOX -1.5