Game 5 – Red Sox vs Indians

By Scott Burgess
Game: Thurs, Oct 18, 2007 8:20 PM ET

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The Cleveland Indians have a commanding 3-1 lead, over the Boston Red Sox, in the American League Championships. Boston pitcher Tim Wakefield floundered in the 5th inning while Indians pitcher Paul Byrd shined to win 7-3 yesterday.

The Boston Red Sox will start their best pitcher Josh Beckett (RP) (22-7, 3.13 ERA). Beckett was stellar in his last trip to the mound, he pitched 6 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs and 7 strikeouts. Beckett is currently 2-0 in the playoffs this year and he’s got a 1. 20 ERA.WOW! Beckett is 11-2 on the road. The biggest disappointment for the Sox though is that their bats aren’t driving in runs. The only players knocking players around the bases are Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.

The Cleveland Indians will start their number one starter C.C. Sabathia (LP) (19-7, 3.21 ERA). Sabathia lost his first outing to Beckett and now he’s looking for revenge. C.C. pitched 4 innings, 7 hits, 8 runs and 3 strikeouts. His biggest reason for the loss was 8 errors on the day. Sabathia is more comfortable at home with a record of 12-4 with a 3.21 ERA. His last two playoff starts he’s 1-1 with a 10.61 ERA. OUCH! The Tribe are getting hits from many various players which has been key to their success. Most notable Kenny Lofton who’s got the most playoff experience of anyone on the team.

With Beckett on the mound the Red Sox can’t go wrong. With the Red Sox closers on the mound the BoSox can go wrong. The BoSox will need a big lead before Beckett leaves the field, which they should be able to do. Sox win game 4 and it’s back to BOSTON BABY! To bet the MLB go to BodogLife now.