SB Nation Boston - Red Sox 12, Indians 1: Sox Dominate Indians To Take Series Win

Red Sox Vs. Indians Final Score: Sox Clobber Justin Masterson, Dan Wheeler In 12-1 Win

2012-05-13T21:06:49Z

The Red Sox made it three straight wins Sunday afternoon, getting to Justin Masterson for six runs and then doubling their lead off of Dan Wheeler in the seventh to down the Indians 12-1.

The Sox did not wait long to get after old friend Justin Masterson. After the first two Sox batters recorded outs, the team sent six straight men to the basepaths, with Will Middlebrooks and Daniel Nava driving in a run a piece before Jarrod Saltalamacchia put an exclamation mark on the inning by driving in two runs of his own.

The Indians would get a run back in the third--an inning that could have been much worse but for a Travis Hafner double play with the bases loaded. Will Middlebrooks would waste no time in getting it back, however, cleaning out an inside fastball for a rocket shot into the Monster seats.

Daniel Bard was once again not at his best, allowing four walks as he struggled with control, but managed to allow just the one run while surviving through the end of the sixth, where Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled home a sixth run for the Sox.

The Sox would really blow the game open in the seventh, picking up a single, three doubles, and a walk to start the inning before Jarrod Saltalamacchia once again provided the big hit, launching a two-run shot to center field to put the Sox up 12-1.

Rich Hill, Matt Albers, and Scott Atchison finished the game in quick fashion, leaving the Sox winners of three straight.

*****

Will Bounces Back: After a 2-for-17 stretch took some of the shine off of Will Middlebrooks' early returns, the third baseman seems to be back in force, going 2-for-3 with his fourth home run and a walk. One thing that's undeniable is Will Middlebrooks' power--the shot tonight was almost still rising when it smashed off the barrier behind the first row of Monster seats.

Flashing the Leather: The Sox have been impressive defensively the last few games, and today was no difference. Daniel Nava made a couple strong grabs to keep the second a 1-2-3 inning, a well-turned double play on a slow roller kept the third from getting out of hand, Will Middlebrooks saved a pair by snagging a line drive in the fourth, and Mike Aviles turned two on a line drive in the fifth. It's stuff like that which will keep the Sox in games even when their pitchers aren't on their best form.

Adrian On A Tear: Remember how Adrian was the center of attention for his failures a week back? Well, going back to May 4 and including today's doubles, Adrian has been hitting .378/.408/.556. No homers, but double after double is getting the job done right now.

Red Sox Vs. Indians Live Blog: Inning By Inning Updates For Game 4

2012-05-13T17:57:15Z

The Red Sox are going for three straight wins over the Indians Sunday afternoon as they try and take their first series since downing the White Sox weeks back.

We'll keep you up-to-date on all the action as it goes down in Fenway Park.

Indians 1, Red Sox 12, Final -- And it's a three-game winning streak for the Red Sox. An easy win on a Sunday afternoon.

Indians 1, Red Sox 12, End 8th -- The substitutions don't make the best of their opportunity, as Nick Punto flies out before Kelly Shoppach and Mauro Gomez go down on strikes.

Indians 1, Red Sox 12, Mid 8th -- Matt Albers makes short work of the Indians in the eighth, as Bobby Valentine subs out as many of the starters as possible in a won game.

Indians 1, Red Sox 12, End 7th -- And that's that. Dan Wheeler comes in and the Red Sox explode for six more. Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, and Adrian Gonzalez combine for a run on a single and two doubles, leaving Gonzalez at second and Ortiz at third. Will Middlebrooks keeps things going with a walk, and Daniel Nava drops a double at the base of the Monster to bring Gonzalez and Middlebrooks home. Cody Ross records the first out of the inning, but Jarrod Saltalamacchia quickly makes up for it by launching a long ball to dead center for the final two runs.

Indians 1, Red Sox 6, Mid 7th -- Rich Hill looks like he did last year, striking out Jack Hannahan and Jason Kipnis in a quick 1-2-3 seventh.

Indians 1, Red Sox 6, End 6th -- Daniel Nava gets plunked to start the inning off, steals second, and comes around to score on Jarrod Saltalamacchia's line drive single to left. Five runs should be a pretty comfortable lead for these late innings the way the pen has been pitching.

Indians 1, Red Sox 5, Mid 6th -- The Indians put two more men on base, and threaten to make it a very close game as Shin-Soo Choo flies out to very deep right, but Cody Ross settles underneath it and makes the grab to end the inning. It's technically a quality start for Bard, but not the prettiest you'll ever see.

Indians 1, Red Sox 5, End 5th -- Justin Masterson keeps the Sox quiet again, going through the heart of the order with ease. Since the first, he's been strong, but there's no ignoring a four-run inning.

Indians 1 Red Sox 5, Mid 5th -- Mike Aviles snags a line drive and then fires to first to complete a double play that keeps Daniel Bard from having to see more than three batters in a short fifth inning.

Indians 1, Red Sox 5, End 4th -- As in the top half of the inning, a line drive out prevents any changes to the score, as Dustin Pedroia sends a rocket back to Justin Masterson with Ryan Sweeney standing at second. Masterson throws up his glove defensively, and the ball ends up right there for the out.

Indians 1, Red Sox 5, Mid 4th -- Bard has to work around some more baserunners, facing two men in scoring position with just one out, but a fly ball to right is too shallow for Carlos Santana to risk it, and a line drive from Jack Hannahan goes straight to Will Middlebrooks at third for the final out.

Indians 1, Red Sox 5, End 3rd -- No sooner do the Indians score than Will Middlebrooks pulls it right back, cleaning out an inside fastball and putting it on a ridiculously line up and into the Monster seats.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, Mid 3rd -- The Indians get one back as Bard struggles through a very tough inning, loading the bases on two singles and a walk and then bringing a run in by walking Asdrubal Cabrera, too.

Thankfully, Travis Hafner hits a slow roller to Dustin Pedroia, who starts a slow double play that is just in time to catch the even slower Hafner to end the inning.

Indians 0, Red Sox 4, End 2nd -- The second inning starts much like the first, with two quick outs from Sweeney and Pedroia, but this time ends as Masterson would have wanted, with David Ortiz grounding out.

Indians 0, Red Sox 4, Mid 2nd -- A couple dangerous fly balls threaten to find the dirt and the wall, but Daniel Nava makes a running basket catch on the first and backs up to the scoreboard for the second, getting Bard through another inning after a leadoff walk to Travis Hafner.

Indians 0, Red Sox 4, End 1st -- The Red Sox are off to another quick start despite Ryan Sweeney and Dustin Pedroia starting the inning with two quick outs. David Ortiz would work a longer at bat to draw a walk before Adrian Gonzalez sent him to third with a double off the wall.

The scoring started with Will Middlebrooks, who once again made good on an early-inning RBI opportunity by shooting a liner down the line in left, playing Ortiz. Daniel Nava continued on his torrid pace by bouncing a double high off the wall in left for a second. The bases would be loaded when Cody Ross took a pitch to the ribs, and then partially unloaded when Jarrod Saltalamacchia sliced a ball into right field to double Boston's lead.

Quite the inning.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, Mid 1st -- Daniel Bard can't ask for an easier start than that to his day. Johnny Damon pops up, Jason Kipnis grounds softly back to the mound, and Asdrubal Cabrera pops up to shallow left. Three outs in seven pitches with nothing even approaching solid contact.

Boston Red Sox Transactions: Darnell McDonald Placed On 15-Day DL; Mauro Gomez Called-Up

2012-05-13T16:30:54Z

The Boston Red Sox didn't make any changes to their nine-man batting lineup for Sunday's matinee against the Cleveland Indians, but hours before the series finale the Red Sox did make some changes to their 25-man roster. Boston placed outfielder Darnell McDonald on the 15-day disable list and replaced him by calling up Mauro Gomez from Triple-A Pawtucket.

McDonald was placed on the DL because of a mysterious oblique injury which, according to the Boston Herald, has no apparent cause. McDonald is now the fifth Red Sox outfielder to be placed on the DL, as Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jason Repko and Ryan Kalish are all recovering from injuries.

Meanwhile, though the 27-year-old Gomez is a first-basemen, he is expected to replace McDonald's right-handed bat off the bench.

For the latest updates on this current series with the Indians, check back to this SB Nation Boston StoryStream. Meanwhile, SB Nation's Over The Monster has everything on the Red Sox.

Red Sox Vs. Indians Lineups: Sox Stand Pat Against Old Friend Justin Masterson

2012-05-13T15:03:14Z

The Red Sox will stick with go back to the same lineup they used Saturday night for their afternoon showdown against the Indians and Justin Masterson. First pitch is at 1:35 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.

Boston will be aiming for three straight wins today--a feat they have not accomplished since their 6-0 run against the Twins and White Sox. They will turn to Daniel Bard on the mound, hoping he can provide another solid start behind strong performances from Clay Buchholz and Felix Doubront.

Boston Red Sox (14-19)

Ryan Sweeney, CF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Cody Ross, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Mike Aviles, SS

Cleveland Indians (18-15)

Johnny Damon, LF
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Travis Hafner, DH
Carlos Santana, C
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Michael Brantley, CF
Casey Kotchman, 1B
Jack Hannahan, 3B

Next Game

Cleveland Indians
@ Boston Red Sox

Sunday, May 13, 2012, 1:35 PM EDT
Fenway Park

Justin Masterson vs Daniel Bard

Partly cloudy,rain. Winds blowing out to left field at 10-15 m.p.h. Game time temperature around 80.

Complete Coverage >

Red Sox Vs. Indians Final Score: Sox Enjoy Quiet 4-1 Win Over Cleveland

2012-05-13T02:28:28Z

The Red Sox enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win over the Indians Saturday night, getting to Zach McAllister early while Felix Doubront and the bullpen kept the Cleveland lineup in check all game long.

After Zach McAllister enjoyed the benefit of unfamiliarity the first time through the lineup, the Sox got through to him the second time 'round. Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz each doubled in a two-run third, and Mike Aviles brought a third run in on a sacrifice fly in a fourth inning that could have been much bigger were it not for some bad luck and good defense.

Felix Doubront, meanwhile, was at his best, allowing just one hit through five innings while striking out five. He even seemed to have a low enough pitch count to get into the seventh--a rare occurrence for the somewhat inefficient lefty. That would change in the sixth, with a leadoff double scoring on a groundout that became a single when Doubront failed to cover first.

The southpaw would manage to escape the inning without any further damage, however, and from there the Sox cruised. Cody Ross got them their run back in the bottom half of the sixth with a moonshot over everything in left, and Andrew Miller, Vicente Padilla, and Alfredo Aceves closed things out by retiring all nine of the batters they faced.

*****

Felix Strong: Felix Doubront was strong in his first start since a messy game against the Royals. While he lived more through spotting his pitches on the edge of a wide zone for strikeouts rather than his utilizing his usual swing-and-miss stuff, the results were as good as he's seen all year, with three hits and two walks compared to five strikeouts in six innings of one-run ball. But for a lengthy six, he could have made it well into the seventh, too, as his pitch count, if still high for a low-offense game, was under control.

Great Work From The Pen: 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 went the last three innings of the game for a Boston bullpen that, if not lights out, is suddenly very impressive. They entered tonight's game with a 1.75 ERA in May, and leave with a 1.66.

Red Sox Vs. Indians Live Blog: Inning By Inning Updates For Game 3

2012-05-12T23:29:24Z

The Sox and Indians are set to go in game three of their four-game series.

Josh Tomlin will not be taking the mound tonight for the Indians as planned, being replaced by Zach McAllister after making the trip to the disabled list with a sore wrist.

We'll keep you up-to-date with all of the action as it goes down in Fenway park.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, Final -- A tidy two hour, forty minute game ends with Alfredo Aceves recording a 1-2-3 ninth, striking out Carlos Santana to end the night.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, End 8th -- But for Ross' homer, the Sox have gone completely quiet since the beginning. Then again, that's why you get the lead early.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, Mid 8th -- Vicente Padilla replaces Andrew Miller and sees similar success, sitting down the Indians in order, leaving the Sox just three outs away from a second straight win.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, End 7th -- For all that Zach McAllister hasn't had a tremendous night, he has managed to keep the Indians alive when it looked like he might be due for a relatively early departure. A 1-2-3 seventh leaves him with 112 pitches, however, so one has to imagine that's it for him.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, Mid 7th -- Andrew Miller retires the side in order. The real good news is simply the fact that he's in, however. Nice to see Bobby not trying to stretch his starter too far...for once.

Indians 1, Red Sox 4, End 6th -- The Red Sox waste no time at all getting their run back from the Indians, as Cody Ross clears everything in left field for a solo home run. That's the sort of thing that Cody brings to the Sox. Not consistently, but when he gets into one, he really gets into it.

Indians 1, Red Sox 3, Mid 6th -- Felix Doubront has his greatest trouble of the night, surrendering a run in the sixth after a leadoff double. The inning was sufficiently long to spike his pitch count over 100, so he is likely done after six innings of one-run ball. A solid outing, but his troubles are the same as ever.

Indians 0, Red Sox 3, End 5th -- Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, and Adrian Gonzalez go down in order, as the Sox' offense finally goes quiet.

Indians 0, Red Sox 3, Mid 5th -- Another walk keeps Doubront away from a 1-2-3 inning, but through five he's rolling through this Indian's lineup. 84 pitches is a bit high for a 1-hitter, so pitch count remains an issue for Felix Doubront, but one heck of a performance so far.

Indians 0, Red Sox 3, End 4th -- The Sox build the lead to three runs with a quick fourth-inning rally. Daniel Nava continues to reach pace at a torrid pace by flipping a single into left field. Cody Ross ends up surrendering the first out of the inning on an unlucky line drive to third base, but Jarrod Satlamacchia revives the rally by doubling to right field. Another lineout to left field lets Daniel Nava score on a close play at home, sliding through Lou Marson's legs to touch home as the ball reaches the plate before Jason Kipnis makes a good ranging play to prevent a single up the middle and record the third out.

The Sox could have easily sent all six men to the basepaths, but they'll have to settle for three and a run after some bad luck and good defense.

Indians 0, Red Sox 2, Mid 4th -- After a line drive out to start the inning, Doubront gets back to weak contact and strikeouts, getting a ground ball from Asdrubal Cabrera, and sitting down Carlos Santana swinging at strike three.

Indians 0, Red Sox 2, End 3rd -- The Red Sox grab a 2-0 lead behind the two men who have been getting it done all year long in Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz. Mike Aviles leads the inning off by dropping a blooper into right-center field, and then scores when Dustin Pedroia hits a wall ball double that nearly leaves the park. One at bat later, David Ortiz makes it a moot point by driving Pedroia in with a double of his own.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, Mid 3rd -- Felix Doubront is through his third scoreless inning in Fenway, with both his third strikeout and first walk of the game. A line drive off the bat of Michael Brantley threatened to keep the inning going, but Mike Aviles reacted quickly and ranged to his left to pick the ball off his shoetops for the out.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, End 2nd -- Another baserunner stranded at first for the Sox, as Daniel Nava puts a single on a line to left before Cody Ross flies out and Jarrod Saltalamacchia strike out to end an unproductive inning.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, Mid 2nd -- The Indians have their first hit of the game, but waste the baserunner in quite a hurry, as Travis Hafner runs into the out at second, trying to turn a single into a double. A bit of strong contact for the Indians in the second--hopefully not a sign of things to come.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, End 1st -- The Red Sox grab the first baserunner of the game as Dustin Pedroia drops a bloop single to center field, but Zach McAllister manages to work through a difficult Adrian Gonzalez at bat to record the third out and a scoreless first.

Indians 0, Red Sox 0, Mid 1st -- Felix Doubront is off to a strong start Saturday night, taking advantage of a wide strike zone to sit down both Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis looking at strike three as part of a 1-2-3 first.

Red Sox Vs. Indians Lineups: Mike Aviles Bats Ninth Against Zach McAllister

2012-05-12T22:24:48Z

The Red Sox will face Zach McAllister, not Josh Tomlin in Fenway Park tonight as they take on the Cleveland Indians in the third game of their four-game series.

Tomlin was scheduled to face the Red Sox today, but a late trip to the disabled list left the Indians turning to Triple-A Columbus in search of a replacement. Zach McAllister has thrown 35 innings of 2.83 ERA ball in Columbus so far this season, relying on a low 90s fastball along with a slider and changeup.

The Sox will have Mike Aviles back in the lineup Saturday, batting ninth.

Boston Red Sox (13-19)

Ryan Sweeney, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Cody Ross, RF
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Mike Aviles, SS

Cleveland Indians (18-14)

Michael Brantley, CF
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, 1B
Travis Hafner, DH
Shin-Soo Choo, RF
Shelley Duncan, LF
Jack Hannahan, 3B
Lou Marson, C

Final - 5.11.2012	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Cleveland Indians	1	0	0	0	0	0	3	0	1	5	12	0
Boston Red Sox	2	2	0	0	3	0	0	0	X	7	12	1
WP: Clay Buchholz (4 - 1) SV: Alfredo Aceves (6) LP: Ubaldo Jimenez (3 - 3)

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Boston Red Sox Acquire Scott Podsednik From Philadelphia Phillies

2012-05-12T09:54:58Z

Scott Podsednik has reportedly been traded to the Boston Red Sox from from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for cash considerations. The 36-year-old left-handed outfielder will be assigned to Triple-A Pawtucket.

Podsednik has logged 10 years of major league service, playing with six different teams. Podsednik is a lifetime .279 hitter with 41 home runs and 300 RBI in 1,016 career games. He has also swiped 301 bases in his career and led the league with a career-high 70 steals in 2004 with the Chicago White Sox.

Podsednik did not play a game with the Phillies this season and last played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, for whom he hit .262 with one home run and seven RBI in 39 games.

Scott Podsednik

Left Field / Boston Red Sox

Height: 6-0

Weight: 185

Bats: L

Throws: L

Born: Mar 18, 1976

For more Boston Red Sox coverage, visit our team page and blog, Over The Monster.