There was a nice moment prior to the second inning of what was eventually a 12-3 Indians win. The Red Sox honored Francona, who won two World Series titles during his eight years as Boston’s manager, with a video montage on the Fenway Park big screen. A message then popped up welcoming back Francona, who the team called an “old friend.”

The video tribute was followed by chants of “Terry” from the Fenway Faithful, and Francona acknowledged the crowd by touching his heart while standing on the top step of the Indians’ dugout.

“Well deserved. That video probably could have gone on for quite a while longer,” said John Farrell, who served as Francona’s pitching coach from 2007 to 2010 before becoming Red Sox manager this past offseason. “But it was a touch of class to acknowledge the eight years spent here — eight successful years — and obviously he’s in a good place right now as well.”

Francona’s Indians have been one of baseball’s biggest surprises through the first two months of the season, and with Thursday’s blowout win, the Tribe now sit atop the American League Central with a 27-19 record. That certainly sounds like a good place, and if Francona’s Indians can sustain their early-season success, it’ll soon be an even better place.

To their credit, the Red Sox are in a pretty good place themselves right now. It’s hard to complain about a 28-20 start to the season, especially given last year’s debacle. The Sox need to make sure the Francona hoopla doesn’t get to them this weekend, though. Otherwise, it could be a disappointing few days in Boston.

Francona certainly deserves to be honored for all of the success he achieved as Red Sox manager, but the Indians are a dangerous team. Sox fans got a firsthand glimpse of that on Thursday, when Cleveland’s offense pounded out 16 hits and chased Red Sox starter Ryan Dempster from the game after just three innings. Things aren’t going to get any easier, as the Indians will send their ace, Justin Masterson, to the mound on Friday.

The Francona tribute on Thursday was definitely a nice touch, as it gave Red Sox fans a chance to look back at some great days in the franchise’s history. But now, the focus really needs to shift to the task at hand, or else the Red Sox’ homestand won’t be a pleasant one.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here. 

Final, Indians 12-3:

Francona’s Indians jumped all over Ryan Dempster early, and they then put the game out of reach with a six-run sixth inning en route to a 12-3 victory.

Michael Bourn, Mark Reynolds and Drew Stubbs each had three hits apiece for Cleveland, while Carlos Santana reached base five times (four walks and a single).

Daniel Nava reached base four times, and David Ortiz connected on a three-run home run in the third inning to cut Cleveland’s lead to 4-3, but the Indians’ offense was relentless against Dempster and Co.

Dempster lasted just three innings before John Farrell turned to the bullpen. Dempster gave up four runs on five hits and four walks. He struck out four and threw 85 pitches (52 strikes).

John Lackey will take the ball on Friday as the Red Sox look to bounce back from a very disappointing start to the homestand. The action is scheduled to kick off at 7:10 p.m.

Good night, everyone.

Mid 9th, Indians 12-3: Andrew Miller got some work in in the ninth inning.

Miller retired the Indians in order, striking out two in the process. The left-hander fanned Asdrubal Cabrera on a slider, and he then got Michael Brantley looking on a 96-mph fastball.

“The Final Countdown” now comes over the Fenway Park loudspeaker as the Red Sox look to rally from nine runs down in the ninth inning.

End 8th, Indians 12-3: The Red Sox came oh-so-close to putting up their first run since the third inning, but the opportunity went by the board.

The Red Sox got two men into scoring position when Daniel Nava led off the eighth inning with a single, and Ryan Lavarnway — pinch-hitting for David Ortiz — doubled over Michael Bourn’s head in center field. Mike Napoli struck out swinging, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia lined out to third base, though, and Cleveland still owns a nine-run lead.

Nava has been one of the Red Sox’ lone bright spot in this game. He has reached base four times (two singles, two walks), and he scored on David Ortiz’s three-run homer.

Napoli has struck out three times after going down swinging in the eighth.

Mid 8th, Indians 12-3: Drew Stubbs became the third Cleveland hitter with three hits in the eighth inning, but the score stayed the same.

Stubbs doubled off the new pitcher, Junichi Tazawa, with one out, and he joins Michael Bourn and Mark Reynolds with three hits.

Both Bourn and Cord Phelps grounded out after Stubbs’ double to end the inning.

End 7th, Indians 12-3: Scott Barnes pitched the seventh inning for Cleveland, and 1-2-3 went Boston.

Stephen Drew flied out for the first out. Mike Carp struck out swinging for the second out. Jacoby Ellsbury grounded back to the mound for the third out.

Maybe this is just the Red Sox’ way of thanking Terry Francona. It has to be, right?

Mid 7th, Indians 12-3: The Indians almost tacked on a little bit more, but an inning-ending double play helped Craig Breslow avoid any damage.

Carlos Santana walked with one out, and Mark Reynolds roped a single into the left-center field gap. Santana was held at third base and Reynolds was held at first, largely because of Cleveland’s nine-run advantage.

Breslow got Yan Gomes to ground back to the mound with one out and runners at the corners, and he started up a 1-6-3 double play to end the top of the seventh.

More and more fans are filing for the exits. In addition to the blowout, there’s some rain falling at Fenway.

End 6th, Indians 12-3: Cody Allen replaced Zach McAllister after the starter went five innings. He enjoyed a very easy frame.

Mike Napoli and Jarrod Saltalamacchia each struck out looking to start the sixth inning. Allen froze both hitters with curveballs.

Pedro Ciriaco, who took over at third base when Will Middlebrooks left with back spasms, flied out into shallow right field in his first at-bat.

Craig Breslow is coming on to pitch the seventh inning for Boston.

Mid 6th, Indians 12-3: The Indians are in the driver’s seat.

Mark Reynolds greeted Alex Wilson — who took over with the bases loaded and no outs –with a single into center field to extend Cleveland’s lead to 7-3.

The Indians were just getting started.

Yan Gomes should have been retired when he popped up into foul territory along the first-base line, but Mike Napoli couldn’t make the play. Napoli looked a little shaky from the start, and the ball popped out of his glove to give Gomes another life.

Gomes didn’t disappoint. He connected on a two-run double to left field to put the Indians in control 9-3.

The Tribe added two more runs when Drew Stubbs hit a line drive over Jacoby Ellsbury’s head and into the triangle in center field. Reynolds and Gomes each scored, while Stubbs hustled all the way to third base for a standup triple.

Michael Bourn tacked on Cleveland’s 12th run with a single into right field. He’s now 3-for-5 with two RBIs and a run scored.

Mortensen gave up five earned runs on five hits and three walks in two innings of work. Wilson has been charged with two earned runs — one run was unearned — on four hits through an inning.

9:37 p.m., Indians 6-3: Clayton Mortensen’s night is over, and he wasn’t much more effective than Ryan Dempster.

Mortensen gave up two walks and a single to begin the sixth inning, and the Red Sox will now turn to Alex Wilson with the bases loaded and no outs.

End 5th, Indians 6-3: Daniel Nava continues to be an on-base machine, but the Red Sox couldn’t use his one-out walk to chip away in the fifth.

Jacoby Ellsbury struck out to begin the inning before Nava walked on seven pitches. Ellsbury is 1-for-3 with a bunt single and two strikeouts in this game, after reaching base safely four times on Wednesday night.

Nava, whose on-base percentage is up to .396, took second base on a two-out wild pitch from Zach McAllister. The Red Sox couldn’t cash in, though, as David Ortiz — who is responsible for driving in all three of Boston’s runs — grounded out to third base.

9:20 p.m., Indians 6-3: Will Middlebrooks’ injury, which forced the third baseman out of the game after his second at-bat, is being described as “lower back spasms.”

Mid 5th, Indians 6-3: The Red Sox needed Clayton Mortensen to come in and play damage control after a rough outing from Ryan Dempster. But Mortensen is having a hard time keeping the Indians off the scoreboard as well.

Mike Aviles singled with one out in the fifth inning, and he then stole second base. Jarrod Saltalamacchia — who threw out two would-be base-stealers on Wednesday — delivered a strong throw after a pitch that was high and out of the strike zone, but Stephen Drew couldn’t corral it.

Michael Bourn, who is now 2-for-4, drove in Aviles with a single into right field.

End 4th, Indians 5-3: Zach McAllister did a nice job of bouncing back in the fourth inning after a rocky third inning.

McAllister retired Will Middlebrooks, Stephen Drew and Mike Carp in order. Middlebrooks struck out, giving him two strikeouts in this game, and Drew and Carp each grounded out.

Most importantly, though, Middlebrooks is coming out of this game. It’s unclear what’s wrong with him — aside from him not producing — but I’ll certainly pass along any information as it becomes available. Middlebrooks, of course, dealt with a rib issue earlier this season.

Pedro Ciriaco is taking over at third base.

Mid 4th, Indians 5-3: Clayton Mortensen didn’t fare too well in his first inning of work. He allowed the Indians to get a run back.

Michael Bourn led off the inning with a double, and he came around to score when Asdrubal Cabrera singled into left field with one out.

Mortensen issued a two-out walk to Carlos Santana to set up runners at first and second, but the righty escaped the inning by getting Mark Reynolds to ground into a 6-4 forceout.

Dempster’s night is over after just three innings, which continues a string of rough starts. Dempster entered the game 0-2 in his last three outings. He gave up five runs and threw 127 pitches in just 4 2/3 innings in his last start against the Twins on Saturday, and he surrendered six earned runs in five innings against the Blue Jays on May 12.

In this game, Dempster gave up four runs on five hits. He struck out four, walked four and threw 85 pitches (52 strikes) in three frames.

End 3rd, Indians 4-3: Terry Francona probably wouldn’t mind if he could still pencil David Ortiz’s name into his lineup card.

Ortiz absolutely unleashed on a pitch on the inner half of the plate, and drove a three-run blast into the right-field seats to get the Red Sox back in this game.

Jacoby Ellsbury started the third-inning rally with a bunt single down the third-base line. Mike Aviles let the ball roll in the hopes of it going foul, but it rolled past the third base bag in fair territory to give Ellsbury a leadoff single.

Daniel Nava then walked before Dustin Pedroia almost put the Red Sox on the scoreboard. Pedroia singled into center field, and third base coach Brian Butterfield waved Ellsbury home. It wasn’t a very wise decision, however, as Ellsbury was gunned down by Michael Bourn for the inning’s first out.

Ortiz didn’t waste any time when he stepped into the box following what could have been a deflating out. Ortiz jumped all over the first pitch he saw — a 92 mph fastball from Zach McAllister — and launched the game-changing, three-run homer.

If Ellsbury didn’t get thrown out at the plate, we’d be looking at a tie ballgame, but there’s plenty of baseball left. The Red Sox are suddenly in much better shape.

John Farrell isn’t going to waste any more time with Ryan Dempster. He’s turning to the bullpen early, as Clayton Mortensen is coming in to start the fourth inning.

Mid 3rd, Indians 4-0: Ryan Dempster is laboring through another start.

Dempster, who entered the game on the heels of back-to-back subpar outings, gave up three more runs in the third inning, and the Red Sox now trail 4-0. The right-hander’s pitch count is up to 85.

Dempster struck out Jason Kipnis for the first out, but things unraveled after that. Asdrubal Cabrera singled into center field, and Dempster then issued back-to-back walks to Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera.

Mark Reynolds made Dempster pay for his control issues. Reynolds lined a two-run single into left-center field, which immediately drew a mound visit and got action stirring in the Boston bullpen.

The Indians weren’t done. Dempster issued his third walk of the inning — and fourth of the game — to Yan Gomes, which reloaded the bases for Mike Aviles. Aviles hit a grounder to short that Stephen Drew fielded cleanly and tried to turn into a double play, but it wasn’t hit hard enough, and Aviles beat out Dustin Pedroia’s throw at first. The forceout plated Cleveland’s fourth run.

Dempster struck out Drew Stubbs to avoid any additional damage, but it was a very bad inning overall for the Red Sox. Clayton Mortensen is warming up in the bullpen, so we’ll see how long Dempster lasts in this one.

The good news for Boston fans? The Bruins scored two goals in New York while all of this happened at Fenway.

End 2nd, Indians 1-0: The Red Sox left what could have been their first run 90 feet away in the second inning.

Mike Napoli got things going with a base hit through the left side of the infield, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia worked a walk to generate a nice scoring chance with no outs. The Red Sox, who have had trouble at times this season getting timely hits, faltered from there.

Will Middlebrooks struck out looking for the first out. He showed some fight after falling behind in the count 0-2, but Zach McAllister got him looking with a fastball on — or off, depending on who you ask — the outside corner. Middlebrooks wasn’t a fan of the call, and he might have a point, as it looked a bit outside. Still, with two strikes, it’s a pitch you’ve got to try and at least foul off.

Stephen Drew flied out to center field for the second out, although his out was somewhat productive. Napoli moved to third base on the play, setting up runners at the corners with two down. Napoli scored on a passed ball on Wednesday, so you never know what can happen when you get a runner 90 feet away from home plate.

The Red Sox didn’t have any two-out magic in them. Mike Carp grounded to shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who made the play and took a few steps toward second base before firing to first for the sure out.

Mid 2nd, Indians 1-0: Now that the Terry Francona festivities are out of the way, the Red Sox need to settle down and play some baseball.

The Indians jumped out to a 1-0 in the second inning, shortly after Francona’s video tribute/standing ovation.

Carlos Santana got the inning started with a surprising bunt. The ball rolled right along the third-base line, and it eventually came to a stop in fair territory, allowing Santana to reach.

Mark Reynolds then walked to increase the threat a little bit more, although it looked like Ryan Dempster was on the verge of pitching his way out of it. Dempster struck out Yan Gomes and retired Mike Aviles on a flyout to right field before trouble started back up.

The Tribe got on the scoreboard when Drew Stubbs hit a blooper down the right-field line. Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli raced out, while Daniel Nava charged in. Pedroia eventually went into a dive, and the ball ricocheted off him. Stubbs wound up on second base, Reynolds advanced to third and Santana scored the game’s first run.

Michael Bourn, who struck out on three pitches in his first at-bat, put up a good battle against Dempster with two runners in scoring position. But the right-hander escaped any further damage by getting the speedy leadoff man to ground out to first base.

7:32 p.m.: Terry Francona just received a standing ovation as a video montage played on the Fenway Park big screen. It ended with a message thanking Tito — an “old friend.” Francona responded by touching his heart and acknowledging the Fenway Faithful.

End 1st, 0-0:  Daniel Nava was thinking three bases out of the box after driving a ball into the right-center field gap. He wisely tossed on the brakes, though.

Jacoby Ellsbury struck out to begin the bottom of the first. Ellsbury was retired in his first at-bat on Wednesday night, but he reached the next four times he came up. Let’s see if he can enjoy a similar turnaround in this game.

Nava then doubled into right-center field. He took a big turn around second base, but he thought better of the situation and retreated to the bag.

The Red Sox couldn’t cash in on the one-out double. Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz both popped out to second baseman Jason Kipnis to end the inning.

Mid 1st, 0-0: The first inning started off in impressive fashion for the Red Sox. It ended with a sigh of relief.

Ryan Dempster got the game going by making quick work of Indians leadoff hitter Michael Bourn. Dempster went with a couple of offspeed offerings before sitting Bourn down with a fastball on the third pitch of the at-bat.

Jason Kipnis made a little bit of noise for Cleveland with a single into center field, but Dempster bounced back to retire both Asdrubal Cabrera and Michael Brantley via a pair flyouts.

Brantley’s fly ball to left field seemed to cause a little bit of confusion for Mike Carp, though. Carp and Jacoby Ellsbury both converged on the edge of the warning track, and the ball almost dropped in before Carp stuck his glove out and made a lunging catch.

It was a very strange play to end the inning. Carp is making just his seventh start in left field this season.

7:12 p.m.: Michael Bourn takes a cut, but comes up empty on Ryan Dempster’s first pitch. We’re off and running at Fenway.

7:10 p.m.: Unfortunately, Terry Francona didn’t bring the Indians’ lineup card out of the dugout. Instead, it was bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. who did the honors.

Hold your applause for now, Red Sox fans.

7:05 p.m.: We’ve got overcast conditions at Fenway Park. Hopefully, Mother Nature doesn’t start acting up.

6:40 p.m.: Terry Francona has undoubtedly thought about his Fenway return, but the Indians manager also sounds like a guy who’s more focused on his current job than anything.

“I’m sure I’ll have a lot of emotions,” Francona told reporters on Wednesday. “The one thing I want to remind myself — and I have — is that this game is tough enough to play and I don’t want our guys having extra baggage during that series. I need to be very cognizant of that, that whatever feelings I’m having, I’ll deal with ‘em.

“It’s hard enough to play this game.”

There seems to be a similar sentiment kicking around the Red Sox’ clubhouse. Dustin Pedroia and David Ortiz — who are as close to Francona as anyone else on the Red Sox — each said their focus is on their own team.

The downplaying of this series is for a number of reasons — the most obvious being each team’s ongoing success. Neither team can afford to get caught up in the emotions of Francona’s return because it could make life more difficult when the games start up.

Also, this isn’t exactly Francona’s first time back at Fenway. It’s simply his first time coming back as a member of the opposition. It’s still pretty special, but the focus really needs to be on these four baseball games.

6:20 p.m.: Keep in mind, folks, that the Bruins will be trying to close out the Rangers in New York on Thursday. You may or may not be a hockey fan, but if you’re interested in keeping tabs on that playoff game, be sure to check out NESN.com’s live blog at the link below.

Click here for NESN.com’s Bruins live blog >>

4:57 p.m.: Terry Francona’s return is obviously the most talked-about, but there are a number of other former members of the Red Sox organization dropping by the friendly confines this week.

Matt Albers, Justin Masterson, Rich Hill, Mike Aviles, Kevin Cash and Brad Mills are all with the Tribe these days.

3:50 p.m.: Daniel Nava will slide up into the two-hole with Shane Victorino still sidelined and a right-hander on the hill. Mike Carp will get the start in left field and bat ninth.

The rest of Thursday’s lineups are below.

Red Sox (28-19)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
Mike Carp, LF

Ryan Dempster, RHP (2-4, 4.27 ERA)

Indians (26-19)
Michael Bourn, CF
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Michael Brantley, LF
Carlos Santana, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Yan Gomes, C
Mike Aviles, 3B
Drew Stubbs, RF

Zach McAllister, RHP (3-3, 2.65 ERA)

8 a.m. ET: Many Red Sox fans have had this date circled on their calendar. Old friend Terry Francona is set to return to Boston as manager of the Cleveland Indians.

Francona, who helped guide the Red Sox to two World Series titles during his eight years as Boston’s manager, didn’t leave town in the most ideal way, but many Bostonians undoubtedly have a soft spot for Tito. And how could they not? Francona not only helped break an 86-year-old curse, but he also was, by all accounts, one of the most likable guys around.

Many current Red Sox players played for Francona, but you can bet the lovefest will be short-lived, mainly because it has to be. The Indians enter Thursday’s series opener atop the American League Central with a 26-19 record, and they’re a far better team than they were when the Red Sox swept them in Cleveland back on April 16-18.

Ryan Dempster will get the start for Boston on Thursday. He’s still looking for his third win of the season, and he’ll go up against Zach McAllister on Thursday.

The first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. Be sure to tune in on NESN, and keep it right here with NESN.com’s live blog.

Masterson was traded from Boston to Cleveland, along with Nick Hagadone and Bryan Price, in exchange for Victor Martinez just before the trade deadline in 2009. Martinez played well during his season and a half in Boston, but he signed with the Tigers as a free agent before the 2011 season, and Masterson is currently evolving into one of baseball’s brightest young pitchers.

Ben Cherington wasn’t the Red Sox’ general manager at the time of the 2009 trade that sent Masterson packing, but he said during a radio appearance on WEEI’s Dennis and Callahan on Thursday that he would have made the same trade that then-GM Theo Epstein made. The Red Sox needed some offensive firepower that year, and they were a bit unsure as to what the future held for Masterson, who pitched as both a starter and a reliever in Boston.

“We didn’t see him performing quite like this as a starter. We thought, at the time, he would be a good major league starter or a really good reliever, and he’s probably exceeded that in a starting role,” Cherington said. “I don’t think we should be too surprised by it, though. This is a pretty impressive young man. Masterson, going back to the draft, he stood out in the draft as the top makeup on the board that year. Even though he does it in sort of an unconventional way, it’s a combination of his physical size, strength and stuff with his drive and makeup to succeed that separated him.

“We were able to get him at a spot in the draft — a lot of good work by Dan Matson, one of our scouts that year to get him — but fast forward, and if I’m in Theo’s shoes at the time, I would have done the same thing. The deal made a lot of sense at the time. We were trying to get into the playoffs, and Victor Martinez certainly helped to get us into the playoffs. We needed that bat in the middle of the lineup at a key position. He helped us for the time he was here. But not surprised at all that Justin is having success, but yeah, he’s probably exceeded our expectations.”

Masterson has had some ups and downs since joining the Indians, but he’s been very effective this season. The right-hander enters the Indians’ four-game series against the Red Sox with a 7-2 record and 2.83 ERA in 10 starts.

Martinez is no longer contributing in Boston, but he hit .336 in 56 games down the stretch in ’09 and hit .302 with 20 home runs and 79 RBIs in 127 games in 2010, so it’s hard to fault the Red Sox too much for their gamble.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Terry Francona makes his first trip to Boston as the manager of the Indians as the Red Sox open a three-game set with Cleveland. Though Francona’s team was swept by the Sox in three games in Cleveland back in mid-April, the Indians have exceeded all expectations in their first year under the former Red Sox skipper. Their 26-19 record gives them a half-game edge over Detroit, the defending American League champion, in the AL Central entering Thursday.

With Shane Victorino still unavailable with an injury, Daniel Nava shifts up to the No. 2 spot in the Boston order after Jonny Gomes occupied Victorino’s usual slot each of the last two night. Catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia, who has been hitting ninth recently, will bat behind Mike Napoli in the No. 6 hole, with Mike Carp playing left field and rounding out the bottom of the order.

Carp has played sparingly this season — appearing in just 22 games — but has posted a solid .302 batting average. He has struggled of late, though, going 0-for-15 with one walk in his last eight games. Carp’s last base hit came in a 3-1 win over Toronto back on May 2.

See the full starting lineups for both teams below.

Boston Red Sox (28-19)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
David Ortiz, DH
Mike Napoli, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Stephen Drew, SS
Mike Carp, LF

Ryan Dempster, RHP

Cleveland Indians (23-19)
Michael Bourn, CF
Jason Kipnis, 2B
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Michael Brantley, LF
Carlos Santana, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Yan Gomes, C
Mike Aviles, 3B
Drew Stubbs, RF

Zach McAllister, RHP

The Tribe will be around +140 series underdogs, however, for their lone visit of the season to Fenway Park starting Thursday night.

Francona spent last season working for ESPN. He was hired by the Indians in October, getting the job over Sandy Alomar Jr., who was the team’s interim manager for the final six games of 2012. Francona had plenty of ties to the franchise, working in the front office in 2001. He also spent 62 games in 1988 as a player with Cleveland, and his father Tito played for the Tribe from 1959-64.

Cleveland, which is the +300 second favorite to Detroit to win the Central, was swept three games at home by the Red Sox from April 16-18, being outscored 19-8, but has been mostly rolling since. The Indians have really stepped it up against star pitchers, going 7-1 against past Cy Young Award winners this season entering Wednesday’s game against the Tigers’ Justin Verlander. The Indians lead the majors in home runs and slugging percentage.

Zach McAllister (3-3, 2.65) is scheduled to start Thursday. He lost to the Red Sox on April 18, allowing three runs and six hits in five innings. It was his shortest outing of the season, although he did strike out seven. Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit a tiebreaking homer in the fourth inning. Dustin Pedroia has the most career at-bats versus McAllister, going 3-for-9 with two RBIs.

Justin Masterson, dealt by Boston to Cleveland in the Victor Martinez deal in 2009, starts Friday. Masterson (7-2, 2.83) is the Tribe’s clear-cut ace and hasn’t allowed a run over 16 innings in his past two starts. The Sox tagged him for four runs and 11 hits in five innings April 17. Masterson has a career 3.80 ERA in 99.1 innings at Fenway. Mike Napoli is hitting .313 with a homer in 16 at-bats against Masterson. David Ortiz has one home run in 13 at-bats.

Scott Kazmir (2-2, 6.35) goes Saturday. The lefty once was a rising ace with Tampa Bay, a two-time All-Star, but his career went downhill fast and he didn’t pitch in the majors for nearly two years. Kazmir won the fifth spot in Cleveland’s rotation this spring. Kazmir, 29, hasn’t faced Boston since 2010. He has allowed nine runs over eight innings in his past two starts. Pedroia feasts off Kazmir in his career, hitting .515 with a homer in and just one strikeout in 33 at-bats.

On Sunday, Cleveland starts Corey Kluber (3-3, 5.19). He pitched Tuesday against Detroit and allowed three runs and eight hits in 6.1 innings in the loss. Kluber threw an inning of relief April 17 against the Sox and allowed a run and three hits. No Red Sox player has more than three at-bats against him.

Former Yankee outfielder Nick Swisher has done the most damage to Boston pitching among Tribe hitters this season, batting .273 with a homer and two RBIs. Cleveland batters hit only .198 with 27 strikeouts in that first Boston series.

This post is presented by Bovada.

The AL Central-leading Tribe have won five straight, and Terry Francona‘s club completed a four-game sweep of the Mariners on Monday in dramatic fashion.

After taking a 5-5 tie into the bottom of the seventh, the teams combined to score eight runs over the final 3 1/2 innings, with Cleveland’s Mike Aviles coming home on an error to tie the game with two outs in the bottom of the ninth.

Seattle again took the lead on a Justin Smoak homer in the top of the 10th, but Indians catcher Yan Gomes responded with a three-run bomb in the bottom of the frame, allowing Cleveland to walk off with a win in what reliever Chris Perez called the “best game [he's] ever been a part of.”

It may be a highlight of Perez’s career, but even this finish can’t come close to the game these two teams played back in 2001, when the Indians rallied from a 12-run deficit over the final three innings to complete the greatest comeback in MLB history.

Check out a video of Gomes’ walk-off by clicking here.

Final, Red Sox 6-3:

The Sox have now won six straight overall, and they’ll return to Boston for a 10-game homestand, which kicks off on Friday.

Jon Lester tossed seven solid innings in Thursday’s victory. He allowed just two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one.

The Red Sox’ offense got going in the second inning when Daniel Nava drove in Mike Napoli for the first of his two RBIs. Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli, Mike Carp and Jarrod Saltalamacchia also drove in runs, with Salty’s RBI coming on a fourth-inning home run (his third of the season). Napoli and Jacoby Ellsbury had two hits apiece.

The Indians managed to stay close for most of the game, but a three-run seventh-inning gave the Red Sox some breathing room.

The Red Sox return home for what should be an emotional game on Friday night, as it’ll be the Sox’ first home game since Monday’s tragedy.

Clay Buchholz will get the start on Friday. He’ll go up against James Shields in what figures to be quite the pitchers’ duel.

Friday’s game is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET. All of the action can be found on NESN. Be sure to tune in, and keep it right here with NESN.com for additional coverage.

Good night, everyone.

Mid 9th, Red Sox 6-3: The Indians turned to their closer, Chris Perez, in the ninth.

Perez hadn’t worked since Sunday, so Terry Francona decided to get him into the ballgame. The right-hander responded by retiring the Red Sox in order.

Perez struck out Shane Victorino looking and then got Dustin Pedroia to line out to right field. Mike Napoli also lined to right, and Ryan Raburn made a sliding grab to end the inning.

Andrew Bailey will look to close out the Tribe in the ninth.

End 8th, Red Sox 6-3: The Indians got to the Red Sox’ bullpen a little bit in the eighth.

Andrew Miller struck out Cord Phelps looking with a nasty 3-2 slider on the black, but he ran into some trouble after that. Miller walked Drew Stubbs after once again going to a full count, and he then surrendered a base hit to Michael Brantley.

With runners at first and second, Asdrubal Cabrera bounced a ground ball down to Pedro Ciriaco. Ciriaco made the play and stepped on the third-base bag. He thought about firing to first in an effort to complete a double play, but he ultimately thought better of the situation and settled for the lead out.

John Farrell then turned to Koji Uehara, who also pitched on Wednesday. Carlos Santana greeted Uehara with a double up over Shane Victorino’s head in right field. Brantley scored, but Cabrera held up after rounding third base.

Nick Swisher — representing the tying run — came up with two in scoring position, but he couldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to further chip away. Uehara struck out Swisher swinging on a low splitter, much to the delight of the Red Sox’ dugout.

Mid 8th, Red Sox 6-2: Bryan Shaw calmed things down for Cleveland in the eighth.

Shaw retired Stephen Drew, Pedro Ciriaco and Jacoby Ellsbury in order. Drew lined out to right, Ciriaco struck out swinging and Ellsbury rolled a ground ball over to first base.

Andrew Miller will take over for Boston in the bottom of the eighth.

End 7th, Red Sox 6-2: Jon Lester’s night is likely over, but it was another solid performance from the left-hander.

Lester enjoyed a 1-2-3 inning in the seventh. He capped it off with a strikeout of Mike Aviles.

Lester has thrown 115 pitches, so it’s safe to assume manager John Farrell will turn to the bullpen to try to close this one out.

Lester allowed just two runs on four hits while striking out five and walking one in seven innings of work.

With Lester’s performance, the Red Sox’ streak of starting success continues. Red Sox starters have allowed three runs or fewer in all 15 of the club’s games thus far.

Mid 7th, Red Sox 6-2: Mike Napoli’s RBI total continues to climb, Mike Carp once again proved he’s no slouch and the Red Sox added three runs to take a 6-2 lead.

After Jacoby Ellsbury singled to right field, Terry Francona made a pitching change, bringing in Bryan Shaw to replace Nick Hagadone.

Shane Victorino greeted Shaw with a ground ball to second base. Cord Phelps should have been able to at least record an out on the play, but his bobble allowed Ellsbury to move up to second and Victorino to reach at first.

Dustin Pedroia flew to right for the first out, but Mike Napoli fared better. Napoli drove a pitch that was up and away into right field to bring home Ellsbury with the fourth Boston run. Napoli now has a team-high 17 RBIs on the season.

Daniel Nava then lifted a fly ball to center field. Victorino tagged up and scored as the throw was cut off. Napoli actually managed to tag up and move to second base as well, which proved to be big.

Mike Carp pinch-hit for Jonny Gomes. Carp had just three at-bats entering Wednesday’s game, but he went 3-for-3 with three extra-base hits in that contest. His success has clearly carried over, as Carp singled into right field to bring Napoli around. Napoli slid in just ahead of Carlos Santana’s tag at the plate.

Jon Lester is coming back out to pitch the bottom of the seventh.

End 6th, Red Sox 3-2: Jon Lester is through six innings.

Asdrubal Cabrera led off the sixth with a bunt single down the third-base line, but Lester bounced back to get Carlos Santana to ground into a 6-4-3 double play. Santana’s grounder came with a big high hop that made it very easy for Stephen Drew to kick off the twin killing.

Nick Swisher hit one on a line to center with two outs. It hung up long enough for Jacoby Ellsbury to make a running play.

Mid 6th, Red Sox 3-2: Nick Hagadone took over in the sixth, and he made quick work of his former organization.

Hagadone got Jarrod Saltalamacchia to ground out and then struck out Stephen Drew.

Pedro Ciriaco gave one a ride to left field with two outs, but he got under it just a little bit too much, and Michael Brantley put it away to end the inning.

The book is closed on Cleveland starter Zach McAllister. He departed after five innings, allowing three runs on six hits while striking out seven and walking three.

End 5th, Red Sox 3-2: The Indians did another nice job of manufacturing a run in the fifth inning.

Mike Aviles put a charge into a ball to left field to lead off. It looked like it had a chance to leave the yard, but it ended up bouncing off the wall, resulting in a double.

Cord Phelps and Drew Stubbs then moved Aviles to third and eventually brought him home with back-to-back ground outs.

Jon Lester struck out Michael Brantley looking to end the inning.

Mid 5th, Red Sox 3-1: Jacoby Ellsbury extended his hitting streak to eight games, Dustin Pedroia put together a fantastic at-bat and the Red Sox increased their lead.

Ellsbury smoked a one-out double up over Michael Brantley’s head in left field to get the offense going. Shane Victorino then took a hearty cut at a ball on the outside corner and drove it right back up the middle.

Ellsbury was initially waved home on Victorino’s single by third base coach Brian Butterfield, but he was then held up. It proved to be the right decision, as Drew Stubbs delivered a bullet to the plate that would have nailed Ellsbury.

Pedroia came up with runners at the corners and saw eight pitches before a singling into right field to score Ellsbury. Zach McAllister pounded the inside corner early in the at-bat, but he then went to the outside corner, at which point Pedroia went the other way with it. It was a nice piece of hitting by the Red Sox second baseman.

Victorino managed to get to third base on Pedroia’s single, and Pedey swiped second base while Mike Napoli struck out swinging. With first base open, the Indians opted to walk Daniel Nava and bring up Jonny Gomes. Gomes ended the inning with a ground out to first base.

McAllister has thrown 112 pitches in this game, and Nick Hagadone was up in the Cleveland bullpen, so we’ll certainly see a pitching change next inning.

End 4th, Red Sox 2-1: Mike Winters’ strike zone has benefited the pitchers for the most part, but Jon Lester grew a little upset with the umpire’s call on a 3-2 pitch to Mark Reynolds.

Reynolds worked a two-out walk after Lester got Carlos Santana and Nick Swisher on a fly out and ground out, respectively.

Lester made sure the walk didn’t affect him too much, though. He got Ryan Raburn to ground out.

Mid 4th, Red Sox 2-1: Zach McAllister went from having a very impressive inning to losing his lead.

McAllister struck out Daniel Nava and Jonny Gomes to begin the fourth. The pitch that sat down Nava — a high, 3-2 fastball — will certainly lead to a little bit more questioning of the strike zone in this game.

After the two K’s, Jarrod Saltalamacchia went to a full count against McAllister. The Indians right-hander made a mistake to Saltalamacchia on the inner half of the plate, though, and Salty drove it over the right-field fence to make the game 2-1.

The home run is Salty’s third of the season.

End 3rd, 1-1: Jon Lester put together his first 1-2-3 inning in the third.

Lester got Drew Stubbs to fly out to right field before then picking up back-to-back strikeouts against Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera.

If Brantley is a little upset about the pitch he struck out on, he has a point. Lester’s 3-2 offering on the eighth pitch of the at-bat looked a bit outside, but home plate umpire Mike Winters rung up Brantley.

Lester struck out Cabrera on a curveball down and away.

Mid 3rd, 1-1: Zach McAllister issued a four-pitch walk to Pedro Ciriaco to lead off the third inning, and then another free pass to Dustin Pedroia later in the frame, but he managed to work around them.

After Ciriaco’s walk, Jacoby Ellsbury hit a ground ball to the left side. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera made a nice play going into the hole, and he fired to second base to get the lead runner. With Ellsbury running, though, the Indians were unable to spin a double play.

Shane Victorino popped out for the second out before Pedroia worked his walk. With Pedroia at first and Ellsbury at second, the Sox put on a double steal, which worked out perfectly.

Mike Napoli, who leads the team with 16 RBIs, couldn’t add to his total. He saw eight pitches, but McAllister managed to strike him out on a high fastball to end the inning.

End 2nd, 1-1: The Indians have tied it up.

Pedro Ciriaco wasn’t charged with an error in the second, but his first attempt down at the hot corner was less-than-stellar. Ciriaco tried to make a backhanded play on Mark Reynolds’ ground ball down to third, but it kicked past him and rolled toward the seats along the left-field line, where a fan reached over and grabbed it. The play was ruled a ground-rule double.

Ryan Raburn, who misplayed a ball in right field back in the second inning, did a nice job of lifting a fly ball to right field to advance Reynolds to third. Reynolds then scored when Mike Aviles grounded to third base. Ciriaco gave Reynolds a look after making the play, but he ultimately decided to take the out at first base.

Nice job of manufacturing a run by the Tribe.

Mid 2nd, Red Sox 1-0: Mike Napoli continues to power the Boston offense.

Napoli, who entered the game hitting .324 over his last nine contests and leading the team in RBIs, lifted a high fly ball to right field to lead off the inning. Ryan Raburn ran back rather methodically, perhaps thinking he had the ball sized up, but the wind blew it all the way to the fence. The ball took a big bounce off the wall, which allowed Napoli to get all the way to third base with a triple.

It was a rare three-bagger for Napoli. He had two triples last season, but he entered the game with only six in his career.

Daniel Nava didn’t wait long to drive in Napoli. He turned on the first pitch he saw — a 91-mph fastball over the plate — and ripped it into right field for an RBI single. Napoli, understandably, was gassed after crossing the plate.

Zach McAllister bounced back after Nava’s single to retire three straight. Jonny Gomes bounced one to third base, and Mike Aviles made a nice play on a short hop before firing to second base to record a force out. Jarrod Saltalamacchia then popped out to the left side, and Stephen Drew struck out.

End 1st, 0-0: Carlos Santana has certainly evolved into one of the game’s bright young catchers. He put on a seven-pitch battle against Jon Lester before ripping a base hit into left field.

Santana was the only runner to reach against Lester, though.

The left-hander struck out Michael Brantley on a cutter down and out of the zone to begin the inning. Asdrubal Cabrera flew out to right for the second out, and then, after Santana’s single, Nick Swisher grounded out to Dustin Pedroia at second.

Mid 1st, 0-0: Red Sox hitters weren’t exactly thrilled with home plate umpire Mike Winters’ strike zone in the first inning.

Zach McAllister retired the Sox in order, getting the benefit of the doubt on a few calls throughout the frame.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Dustin Pedroia were each called out on strikes. In between, Shane Victorino — who reached base five times on Wednesday — grounded out to second.

McAllister’s first inning certainly went a lot more smoothly than Justin Masterson’s did on Wednesday. Masterson, of course, gave up three runs before recording an out.

7:05 p.m.: Zach McAllister’s first pitch to Jacoby Ellsbury is outside, and we’re underway.

7 p.m.: The Red Sox can’t afford to look past Thursday’s game in Cleveland, but Friday night should be pretty special over at Fenway Park.

We already saw how moving the scene was at TD Garden on Wednesday when the Bruins hosted the Sabres in their first game since Monday’s tragedy. I’m sure there will be a similar display of support for the city of Boston at Fenway on Friday.

The Red Sox have already placed a “B Strong” logo on the Green Monster. It’s the same logo many people are using as their Twitter or Facebook photos, and it’ll certainly set the scene over at Fenway.

Now, with everyone still trying to overcome Monday’s horrific events, is a perfect time for a 10-game homestand.

Click here to see the Green Monster’s “B Strong” logo >>

6:13 p.m.: The lineup cards are in, and Will Middlebrooks will get a day off.

Middlebrook, who has played in all 14 of Boston’s games thus far, is just 2-for-30 hitting three home runs against the Blue Jays on April 7. Overall, he’s hitting .182 (10-for-55).

Pedro Ciriaco will play third base in Middlebrooks’ place and bat ninth.

Jackie Bradley Jr. will also be out of the lineup once again, and there’s a good chance he’ll be sent down, with David Ortiz ready to return Friday.

The complete lineups are below.

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Pedro Ciriaco, 3B

Jon Lester, LHP

Indians
Michael Brantley, LF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Ryan Raburn, RF
Mike Aviles, 3B
Cord Phelps, 2B
Drew Stubbs, CF

Zach McAllister, RHP

6 p.m.: We’re a little over an hour away from Thursday’s first pitch, but Red Sox fans have already received some good news. Manager John Farrell said that “all signs point to” David Ortiz returning to the Sox on Friday.

Boston is rolling right now, having won five in a row entering Thursday’s series finale against the Indians, but Ortiz would certainly be a welcome addition to the lineup. He should add some much-needed pop, and his left-handed power bat should be a good compliment to Mike Napoli and Will Middlebrooks — both righties — in the middle of the order.

Ortiz went 4-for-18 during his rehab stint with Triple-A Pawtucket. While he only had one extra-base hit, it came on Thursday in what is likely his final at-bat of the rehab assignment. Ortiz launched a 1-0 fastball over the right-field fence for a home run.

Click here to see video of Ortiz’s home run with the PawSox >>

8 a.m. ET: The Red Sox are firing on all cylinders right now, but it’s the starting pitching that remains most impressive.

With Alfredo Aceves allowing three earned runs over five innings on Wednesday, Red Sox starters have now allowed three earned runs or fewer in all 14 of the team’s games. That’s a pretty amazing start to the season for a team that was plagued by pitching woes throughout all of last season, especially since the starting rotation is mostly the same as last year’s unit.

Jon Lester will take the ball for his fourth start of the season on Thursday against the Indians. He’s been tremendous in his first three starts, although he didn’t factor into the decision his last time out. Lester enters the contest 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA, and he and Clay Buchholz have formed a lights-out 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation to kick off the new year.

Lester will be opposed by Zach McAllister, who carries a 1-1 record and a 2.19 ERA into Thursday’s game.

Thursday’s action is scheduled to start up at 7:05 p.m. ET. Be sure to tune in to NESN, and keep it right here with NESN.com as the Red Sox look to complete a sweep of the Indians.

Will Middlebrooks

He’ll have a night off to collect himself, as Red Sox manager John Farrell has elected to give Pedro Ciriaco the start at third base for Thursday night’s series finale in Cleveland.

Ciriaco has gone 2-for-8 with a double and two RBIs in four games played this season, including two starts at shortstop. Wednesday will mark his first start at the hot corner this season. He’s faced Indians starter Zach McAllister just twice in his career, will McAllister getting the better of both encounters.

Check out the full lineups below.

Boston Red Sox (10-4)

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Pedro Ciriaco, 3B

Jon Lester, LHP

Cleveland Indians (5-8)

Michael Brantley, LF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Ryan Raburn, RF
Mike Aviles, 3B
Cord Phelps, 2B
Drew Stubbs, CF

Zach McAllister, RHP

Final, Red Sox 6-3: 

Andrew Bailey put a bow on another solid performance from the Red Sox’ bullpen in the ninth, and Boston will look to cap off a series sweep on Thursday night after a 6-3 victory on Wednesday.

The Red Sox’ offense jumped all over Justin Masterson early, scoring three runs in the first inning and then adding on throughout the game behind a heck of a performance from the top of the order. The Sox did squander a couple of bases-loaded opportunities, but Boston’s No. 1-5 hitters went 12-for-23 with four RBIs in the win.

Jacoby Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Mike Carp each had three hits, while Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli and Daniel Nava had two apiece. The Sox finished with 15 total hits.

Alfredo Aceves was solid through his first five innings before struggling in the sixth. He gave up home runs to Nick Swisher and Jason Giambi in that inning, which enabled the Indians to climb back into the game. The Red Sox’ bullpen came on and threw four perfect innings in relief, though, and the Tribe never really stood a chance once John Farrell handed the ball over to the ‘pen.

Jon Lester will look to continue his impressive start to the season on Thursday. The game’s first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET, so be sure to tune in on NESN and check back here at NESN.com throughout the day.

Good night, everyone.

Mid 9th, Red Sox 6-3: Vinnie Pestano ensured the Indians wouldn’t have any more on their plates in the ninth inning.

Pestano retired Daniel Nava, Will Middlebrooks and Jarrod Saltalamacchia in order in the top of the ninth, and the Tribe will come up with their deficit at three runs.

Nava flew out, and Middlebrooks and Saltalamacchia struck out.

Cord Phelps, Lonnie Chisenhall and Drew Stubbs are due up against Andrew Bailey in the bottom of the ninth.

End 8th, Red Sox 6-3: Koji Uehara’s streak of success continues.

Uehara retired the side in order in the eighth, with the final two outs coming via strikeouts. Uehara fanned Jason Giambi and Mark Reynolds, which got the always animated pitcher very fired up as he headed toward the Boston dugout.

With the impressive inning, Uehara has now tossed 18 consecutive scoreless frames dating back to Sept. 1, 2012. That’s his personal-best scoreless streak in the majors.

Uehara’s scoreless streak spans 20 outings, during which the right-hander has struck out 24, yielded just three hits and walked two (one intentionally). That’s dominance.

Mid 8th, Red Sox 6-3: The Red Sox are up to 15 hits in the game, and their lead is now 6-3.

Rich Hill started the eighth inning for Cleveland, and he gave up a leadoff single to Jacoby Ellsbury, who has three hits. Ellsbury blooped a popup into shallow left-center field. Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera raced out and got a glove on it, sending the ball flying behind his back. Cabrera nearly caught it behind his back, in fact, but it dropped in to allow Ellsbury to reach.

Ellsbury’s single spelled the end of Rich Hill’s outing. Hill was replaced by Joe Smith, who immediately threw a wild pitch that enabled Ellsbury to scamper up to second base.

Shane Victorino, who had reached safely in all four of his plate appearances, dropped a bunt down. Smith came off the mound to make a play, but his throw sailed out of Mark Reynolds’ reach at first base. Ellsbury scored Boston’s sixth run.

Dustin Pedroia struck out for the third time, and Mike Napoli grounded into an inning-ending double play, but adding another run doesn’t hurt. Koji Uehara will come on to pitch the eighth for Boston.

End 7th, Red Sox 5-3: That was a very impressive inning for Junichi Tazawa, who has now retired all six hitters he’s faced.

Tazawa has shown great life on his fastball, and he struck out the side in the seventh inning. Michael Brantley, Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana all went down by way of the K.

Brantley fanned on a 95-mph fastball, while Santana fanned on a 96-mph heater. In between, Cabrera looked at a 95-mph fastball for the second out.

Mid 7th, Red Sox 5-3: The Indians flashed some leather in the seventh.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia led off with a fly ball toward the left-center field gap. Drew Stubbs, who made a horrible play in center field earlier, sprinted over and made a very nice grab this time around.

Stephen Drew then threatened to drop one into right field, but Nick Swisher made a great snag while tumbling to the outfield grass for out No. 2.

Manager John Farrell elected to bring up Jonny Gomes for Mike Carp, who had three extra-base hits in the game, and the move proved to be fruitless. Gomes struck out looking to cap off a big, 1-2-3 inning from former Red Sox hurler Rich Hill.

End 6th, Red Sox 5-3: Junichi Tazawa came on and retired the three batters he faced in the sixth inning, although it wasn’t before a brief scare.

Lonnie Chisenhall gave one a ride to center field with one out. It initially looked as if it had a chance to leave the yard, but Jacoby Ellsbury managed to haul it in on the edge of the warning track.

With the inherited runner not scoring, Alfredo Aceves is charged with three earned runs over five innings.

9:26 p.m., Red Sox 5-3: Things in Cleveland have changed in a heartbeat.

Alfredo Aceves came back out for another inning of work, but he was unable to record an out while surrendering three runs, and the Indians are very much back in this ballgame.

Aceves issued a walk to Carlos Santana to begin the inning, and Nick Swisher launched a two-run home run to center field to put the Tribe on the board. Jason Giambi followed with a moon shot of his own to right-center.

Pitching coach Juan Nieves then paid Aceves a visit, but it didn’t do much to settle the right-hander down. Aceves gave up a double to Mark Reynolds, who ripped it down the left-field line.

The Red Sox are now turning to Junichi Tazawa with no outs in the sixth and their lead suddenly at just two.

Mid 6th, Red Sox 5-0: The Red Sox added a run in the sixth inning, and a few familiar faces did the damage.

Shane Victorino led off with a base hit into center field. He now has three hits, and he’s reached base safely in all four of his plate appearances.

Dustin Pedroia struck out swinging for the first out, but Mike Napoli continued his tear with a double that one-hopped off the left-field wall, setting up runners at second and third. Daniel Nava then drove in his second run of the game on a base hit into right field.

Nava tried to steal second base with runners at the corners, and he was gunned down for the inning’s second out. Will Middlebrooks flew out to right field to end the inning.

Alfredo Aceves, who is up to 87 pitches, will come back out for the bottom of the sixth.

End 5th, Red Sox 4-0: The Red Sox have left the bases loaded twice in this game. In the fifth inning, it was the Indians’ turn to squander an opportunity.

After two quick outs, Alfredo Aceves ran into his first major trouble of the game. Lonnie Chisenhall singled into left field, and Drew Stubbs followed up with a double to put runners at second and third.

Michael Brantley then walked, prompting a mound visit. Alfredo Aceves fired a pitch in the dirt that briefly got away from Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but Chisenhall decided not to try and score with the four-run deficit. Aceves then got Asdrubal Cabrera to fly out to right field, although it took a nice running grab from Shane Victorino.

Off the bat, it looked as if Cabrera was going to cut into Boston’s lead, but the ball hung up just long enough for Victorino to track it down and make a lunging grab. Victorino has been doing it all in this game. He showed off his strong arm on an outfield assist earlier in the contest, and he’s reached base three times.

Corey Kluber will replace Justin Masterson in the sixth inning.

Mid 5th, Red Sox 4-0: You think Mike Carp was ready for his first start of the season?

After Stephen Drew worked a two-out walk, Carp launched a triple off the center-field wall to extend Boston’s lead to 4-0. Carp now has three extra-base hits in the game, as he already had two doubles to his credit.

Carp entered the game with just three at-bats on the season.

End 4th, Red Sox 3-0: Alfredo Aceves has retired five hitters in a row.

Aceves cruised through the bottom of the fourth inning. He got Carlos Santana to ground out, and then scattered a couple of line outs to the outfield.

Aceves has thrown 62 pitches thus far, and he has given up just two hits in his four innings of work. It’s amazing that Boston’s lead is just 3-0, especially since the Sox have 10 hits to Cleveland’s two.

8:38 p.m.: Now this is something I absolutely have to pass along.

As mentioned earlier, the Bruins are in action over at the TD Garden, and as expected, it was an extremely emotional scene before the game. Rene Rancourt came out to sing the national anthem as he usually does, and he got just a few seconds in before letting the Boston crowd take over.

It was truly powerful stuff. If you haven’t seen it yet, I highly suggest you check it out. It really shows what the city of Boston is all about.

Click here to see the powerful national anthem at TD Garden >>

Mid 4th, Red Sox 3-0: If the Indians fight their way back, it’ll be in large part because the Red Sox have failed to capitalize on some golden opportunities.

The Red Sox left the bases loaded again in the fourth inning. It’s the second time in this game they’ve left the bases juiced against Justin Masterson, as they also did so back in the second inning.

The top of the fourth inning started with Mike Carp doubling over the head of Drew Stubbs in center field. Stubbs probably should have been able to retreat and make a play, but he took a horrendous route to the ball, and it dropped near the warning track.

After Jacoby Ellsbury flew out, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia struck back-to-back singles. Victorino has now reached base in all three of his plate appearances, as he has two singles and was hit by a pitch.

The Red Sox had just the guy they wanted at the plate in Mike Napoli, who has 16 RBIs on the season after a two-run single back in the first. Napoli couldn’t come through, though, which put the pressure on Daniel Nava, who also drove in a run back in the first.

Nava didn’t wait around, as he took a cut at the first two pitches he saw. Nava fouled off the first offering, but then grounded the second one to Mark Reynolds down at first base for the inning’s final out.

Justin Masterson’s outing has been a struggle, but somehow he’s managed to surrender just three runs — all of which came in the first inning. Masterson has given up 10 hits in the game.

End 3rd, Red Sox 3-0: Shane Victorino’s transition to right field this season has been seamless.

Lonnie Chisenhall led off the bottom of the third by drilling a hit into right field. He tried to stretch it into a double, which proved to be bad move. Victorino threw out Chisenhall, marking the Flyin’ Hawaiian’s third outfield assist of the season.

Drew Stubbs worked a one-out walk, and then swiped second base. He wouldn’t pose much of a threat, though, as Alfredo Aceves got Michael Brantley to ground out to short and Asdrubal Cabrera to ground out to second.

Mid 3rd, Red Sox 3-0: Justin Masterson actually enjoyed an easy inning.

After giving up three runs in the first and being forced to escape a bases-loaded jam in the second, Masterson pitched a 1-2-3 frame in the third.

The first two outs were particularly easy, with Will Middlebrooks flying out to right field and Jarrod Saltalamacchia grounding out to short. The Red Sox then nearly benefited from a miscue by Asdrubal Cabrera, who bobbled a ground ball off the bat of Stephen Drew, but the Indians shortstop managed to regroup and record the inning’s final out.

End 2nd, Red Sox 3-0: Nick Swisher led off the inning with a single, but Alfredo Aceves settled down to retire the next three batters he faced.

Jason Giambi — who I still can’t believe is still kicking around the league — popped out to short for the first out. Mark Reynolds — who made a nice play ranging toward the seats to retire Mike Napoli during the last half inning — grounded to Napoli, who stepped on the first-base bag for the second out.

Alfredo Aceves struck out Cord Phelps swinging to end the inning.

Mid 2nd, Red Sox 3-0: The Red Sox’ offense went right back to work in the second inning, but after some serious pressure was applied, Justin Masterson managed to settle down and escape the inning unscathed.

Mike Carp, who entered the game with only three at-bats, doubled down the left-field line to lead things off. Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino then strung together back-to-back singles to load the bases with no outs.

At that point, it looked as if the Sox were poised for a knockout blow. Masterson got himself off the ropes, though, so we’ll see if the Tribe can build some momentum off his narrow escape.

Dustin Pedroia struck out, Mike Napoli popped out in foul territory along the first-base line and Daniel Nava flew out to left field.

End 1st, Red Sox 3-0: Alfredo Aceves’ first inning went much more smoothly than Justin Masterson’s did. Aceves retired the Indians in order.

Michael Brantley lined out to right field, and Asdrubal Cabrera flew out to left field. Aceves then went to the changeup in order to strike out Carlos Santana swinging.

Aceves is making his first back-to-back starts since May 2011. He’s obviously doing so in place of John Lackey, who manager John Farrell said before the game is “making very good progress.” Lackey apparently doesn’t have any more symptoms remaining in his bicep area, so that’s certainly positive news for the Red Sox.

Mid 1st, Red Sox 3-0: Justin Masterson allowed more runs without retiring a batter in this game than he had allowed all season.

Jacoby Ellsbury put an inside-out swing on a fastball to lead off the game with a single into left field. Ellsbury has now hit safely in his last seven games — and in 12 of the 14 games this season.

Shane Victorino was then hit by a pitch, and Dustin Pedroia singled into right field to load the bases for the hot-hitting Mike Napoli. Napoli connected on a two-run single to get the scoring going. Napoli has now hit safely in six straight games, during which he’s 8 for his last 22.

Daniel Nava added another run with a single into left field that plated Pedroia from second base.

Masterson finally recorded an out against Will Middlebrooks. The Red Sox third baseman hit a slow roller to short that Asdrubal Cabrera made a nice, barehanded play on.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia then hit a ground ball to first base. Mark Reynolds made the play and fired home in order to nail Napoli, who had been off on contact.

The inning ended with Stephen Drew striking out, but things are certainly off to a good start for Boston. The Red Sox are 8-0 this season when scoring first. The Braves (9-0) and Yankees (5-0) are the only other teams without a loss when scoring first this season.

What’s even more amazing is how ineffective Masterson was in the first. The right-hander entered Wednesday’s game having allowed just one earned run in 22 innings while racking up a 3-0 record.

7:07 p.m.: Justin Masterson’s first pitch of the game is outside for a ball, and we’re under way.

7 p.m.: It’s definitely hard to focus on the minute details of a baseball game in the wake of Monday’s tragedy, but it’s awesome to see everyone rallying around each other. The amount of support the city of Boston is receiving is overwhelming, and the resiliency of the city will undoubtedly shine through.

Boston is as workmanlike as it gets, and we’re already seeing how tight-knit and unified everyone can be in the face of adversity. Keep staying strong, Boston.

Manager John Farrell said that he hopes baseball — and really, sports in general — can help offer “some normalcy” in the wake of Monday’s tragedy. Obviously, sports are so far down the totem pole when it comes to what’s important in life, but they do still play an important role when it comes to community bonding. Hopefully, some baseball action can help provide a boost in morale during this difficult time.

It should be a very memorable night over at TD Garden, where the Bruins are hosting the Buffalo Sabres. The game will be televised on NBC Sports, but you can follow the action with NESN.com’s live blog, as well. I’m sure our hockey guy, Mike Cole, will do a great job of painting a picture of the emotional scene.

Click here to see NESN.com’s Bruins live blog >>

5:20 p.m.: Mike Carp will get his first start as a member of the Red Sox on Wednesday night.

Carp, who enters the game 0-for-3, will play first base and bat ninth against Justin Masterson and the Indians.

With Carp at first base, Mike Napoli will serve as the DH. Jackie Bradley Jr. will once again be out of the lineup, as Daniel Nava will play left field and bat sixth.

Wednesday’s complete lineups are below.

Red Sox (9-4)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, DH
Daniel Nava, LF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Mike Carp, 1B

Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Indians (5-7)
Michael Brantley, LF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, RF
Jason Giambi, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Cord Phelps, 2B
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Drew Stubbs, CF

Justin Masterson, RHP

1 p.m.: The Red Sox did all they could Tuesday night to give Boston a boost after a couple of days that no one wants to remember.

They’ll try to stay “Boston strong” on Wednesday night in their second game against the Indians, knowing that even something as inconsequential at baseball can help heal the region at a time like this.

Alfredo Aceves (0-0, 6.75 ERA) will get the ball for Boston as John Lackey continues to recover from his biceps injury. Aceves went just five innings in his last start, giving up two earned runs on six hits and three walks against the Orioles. He struggled in two relief appearances before that and is still looking to regain the form that made him a shutdown reliever at points throughout the last few seasons.

A familiar face for Red Sox fans will be pitching for Cleveland. Justin Masterson (3-0, 0.41 ERA), who was traded from Boston to Cleveland in 2009, comes in having dominated in his last three starts. He’s only gotten better as the season has gone on — he allowed just one earned run in six innings against the Blue Jays in his first start, went seven innings with no runs allowed against the Rays and pitched a complete game five-hitter, with no runs allowed, last Friday against the White Sox. The right-hander will be quite the test for the Sox.

The action begins at 6 p.m. on NESN, with first pitch at 7:05. Check back here for updates and analysis as the Red Sox look to extend their four-game win streak.

In one of the stranger deals in recent memory, the Red Sox traded shortstop Mike Aviles to the Blue Jays in exchange for manager John Farrell.

Aviles is now with Cleveland, reunited with former Sox skipper Terry Francona, and he says he’s definitely excited to be playing against his old teammates this week. Jenny Dell caught up with the infielder prior to Wednesday night’s game to talk about Aviles’ whirlwind offseason and his thoughts about playing in a new city for the same manager.

Check out the interview in the video above.

The starting lineup looks largely the same as it has so far this season for Boston. On this night, however, Daniel Nava gets the start in left field, while Mike Napoli takes a night off from the field and hits from the DH role. That means Mike Carp gets his first career start in a Red Sox uniform, batting ninth and playing first base.

It also means that Jackie Bradley Jr. sits again. After a torrid spring training, the rookie has fallen upon hard times in his first taste of regular season action, with his average hovering around the .100 mark all season.

Boston Red Sox (9-4)

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, DH
Daniel Nava, LF
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Stephen Drew, SS
Mike Carp, 1B

Alfredo Aceves, RHP

Cleveland Indians (5-7)

Michael Brantley, LF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, RF
Jason Giambi, DH
Mark Reynolds, 1B
Cord Phelps, 2B
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Drew Stubbs, CF

Justin Masterson, RHP

Final, Red Sox 7-2: Mike Napoli steps on first base to retire Asdrubal Cabrera for the final out, and with it, an emotional evening for the Red Sox comes to a close.

The Sox struck seven times in the second inning off Indians starter Ubaldo Jimenez, and that would be all they needed. Felix Doubront allowed a run through five innings, and Clayton Mortensen and Alex Wilson each tossed two innings in relief to lock down the win.

Napoli was the star at the plate, doubling twice in that second inning and driving in three runs for the Sox, who improve their winning streak to four games and their overall record to an AL East-best 9-4.

These two teams will be back at it Wednesday night, when Justin Masterson and the Indians host Alfredo Aceves and the Red Sox at 7:05 p.m.

Mid 9th, Red Sox 7-2: The Indians couldn’t ask more of Brian Shaw, as the reliever entered with two outs in the eighth and proceeded to strike out all four batters he faced.

Lonnie Chisenhall, Ryan Rayburn and Drew Stubbs (the Nos. 8, 9 and 1 batters) are due up for the Tribe in the bottom of the ninth.

End 8th, Red Sox 7-2: Pedro Ciriaco and Daniel Nava haven’t had the most success at the plate tonight, but they’ve made up for it with their play in the field.

Nava made a number of heady plays in left field earlier in the night, and Ciriaco just started a highlight-reel double play to help Alex Wilson easily escape the eighth. Michael Brantley’s sharp grounder up the middle deflected off Wilson’s glove and was corralled with a bare hand by Ciriaco, who stepped on second and threw a rocket to first, with Mike Napoli making a lunging grab to complete the play.

Mid 8th, Red Sox 7-2: The Red Sox are again unable to add to their five-run cushion, managing only a walk for the fourth consecutive inning.

Alex Wilson, who was called up to the majors when John Lackey was placed on the DL, will come on to work the bottom of the eighth.

End 7th, Red Sox 7-2: Three up, three down for the Indians in the seventh as Mortensen retires the Tribe in order.

Pedro Ciriaco, Jacoby Ellsbury and Shane Victorino will look to add to the Boston lead in the eighth, with Ciriaco and Victorino both searching for their first hit of the night.

Mid 7th, Red Sox 7-2: Rich Hill sits down David Ross by way of the K, and we go to the bottom of the seventh.

Strikeouts have been commonplace for both teams tonight. Cleveland pitchers have struck out 11 Red Sox tonight, while their hitters have been victimized by eight K’s themselves.

Clayton Mortensen returns for a second inning and will face the Nos. 2, 3 and 4 batters in the Indians order.

Top 7th, Red Sox 7-2: One old Boston friend will call in another, as Terry Francona brings in former Red Sox pitcher Rich Hill to replace Hagadone with two outs and Jonny Gomes on first.

End 6th, Red Sox 7-2: As has been the trend with Red Sox pitching tonight, Clayton Mortensen was not perfect in the sixth inning, but he was effective enough to keep the Indians off the scoreboard.

A walk to Ryan Rayburn put two men on with two outs, but Mortensen responded with three consecutive strikes to sit down Drew Stubbs looking and leave Michael Brantley standing on second base.

Nick Hagadone returns for the seventh to face Will Middlebrooks.

Mid 6th, Red Sox 7-2: The Red Sox are fortunate to have had that seven-run rally back in the second, because they haven’t done a whole lot on offense otherwise.

Shane Victorino worked a four-pitch walk in the sixth, but Boston’s other three batters could not reach base, as Jacoby Ellsbury grounded out to first and Dustin Pedroia and Mike Napoli both struck out looking.

Felix Doubront’s night is indeed done, as Clayton Mortensen will take the mound for the Sox in the bottom of the inning. Doubront finishes with a run on four hits and four walks over five innings, striking out seven.

End 5th, Red Sox 7-2: This is a five-run ballgame, but the cushion certainly doesn’t seem that comfortable.

With the bases loaded, Felix Doubront stuck out Carlos Santana for the inning’s second out. He then ran the count to 1-2 against Nick Swisher before missing way high with a fastball that got away from catcher David Ross.

Ryan Raburn came in to score on the passed ball, and Swisher would eventually walk before Doubront got Mark Reynolds to pop out with the bases loaded to end the threat, and likely Doubront’s night.

The right-hander has thrown 104 pitches. Clayton Mortensen is currently warming in the Boston bullpen.

Bottom 5th, Red Sox 7-1: The Indians are getting to Doubront in the fifth, and pitching coach Juan Nieves comes out to settle his hurler down.

After getting Lonnie Chisenhall to fly out to open the fifth, Doubront allowed a single to Ryan Raburn — which would have been a double if not for a heads-up play by Daniel Nava in left field — a walk to Drew Stubbs and another single to Asdrubal Cabrera, loading the bases for Carlos Santana.

Mid 5th, Red Sox 7-1: Cody Allen has done everything Terry Francona could have asked for him, striking out six through his 2 2/3 innings. Lefty Nick Hagadone will come in to face Pedro Ciriaco with two outs.

This is just Hagadone’s second appearance of the season. The former Red Sox prospect tossed an inning of scoreless relief in his 2013 debut against the White Sox on April 13.

He gets Pedro Ciriaco to fly out to left field, and we head into the game’s halfway point with the Sox still holding a 7-1 lead.

End 4th, Red Sox 7-1: Felix Doubront has been far from overpowering, but he’s been getting the job done. A Mark Reynolds walk provided the only baserunner in the fourth, as the Red Sox are still holding strong with a six-run lead.

Daniel Nava, who has struggled at the plate with two strikeouts tonight, made a nifty play in left field, sliding to rob Michael Brantley of a base hit.

We’ve just gotten word that the Yankees played “Sweet Caroline” in the Bronx after the third inning in a showing of support for their Boston rivals. We’ll bring you video of the gesture as soon as it becomes available.

Mid 4th, Red Sox 7-1: Just as Adam Warren did for the Yankees after starter Hiroki Kuroda exited the second game of the season early back on April 3, Cody Allen has held the Red Sox in check out of the bullpen.

The reliever has scattered four hits but has not allowed a run since entering in place of Ubaldo Jimenez in the top of the second.

New York turned a 7-1 laugher into a tight, three-run contest late in that early-season matchup. The Sox will try not to repeat that trend of taking their foot off the gas tonight.

End 3rd, Red Sox 7-1: No balls are put in play in the frame, as Felix Doubront walks one and strikes out the side.

Doubront’s pitches are missing a lot of bats tonight — he’s allowed just two hits — but they’ve been missing the strike zone a lot, too. He needed 23 pitches to get through four batters in the third, bringing his pitch total to 59 on the night.

Only 38 of those pitches have gone for strikes, and John Farrell may be dipping into his bullpen early if Doubront can’t reel it in a bit.

The Red Sox do still hold a six-run lead, though, so Farrell may be quicker to bring in a reliever, especially given Doubront’s 11-day rest period coming into tonight.

Mid 3rd, Red Sox 7-1: Boston added two more baserunners but couldn’t bring them home.

Jonny Gomes and David Ross both roped one-out singles into left field, but Cody Allen was able to strike out Pedro Ciriaco on three pitches and got some help from his first baseman, as Nick Swisher swallowed a sharp line drive off the bat of Jacoby Ellsbury and took it first himself to end the inning.

End 2nd, Red Sox 7-1: The Indians got on the board in their half of the second, but a pair of nice plays by Shane Victorino limited the damage to just the one run.

With Nick Swisher at first base and one out, Victorino made a nice, barehanded snag on a Michael Brantley line drive to right field, allowing Brantley to reach but holding him to a single.

Victorino then ranged back to his right to haul in a Mike Aviles line drive that could have cleared the bases. Swisher scored on the play, but Felix Doubront proceeded to strike out third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall to end the threat.

Doubront has shown some control struggles of his own tonight, as catcher David Ross had needed to go down and grab several balls in the dirt.

Mid 2nd, Red Sox 7-0: Cody Allen gets Will Middlebrooks to strike out looking, but the damage is done. Former Yankee Nick Swisher will come to the plate first in the bottom of the frame to try to get his Indians back in the game.

Top 2nd, Red Sox 7-0: And they’re not done yet.

Mike Napoli crushes a three-run double to center field — his second of the inning — to put the Sox up by a touchdown less than two innings in.

Top 2nd, Red Sox 4-0: Things have gone downhill for Ubaldo Jimenez in a hurry.

After working a 1-2-3 first inning, Jimenez walked five batters in the second, allowing the Sox to jump out to a 4-0 lead.

Mike Napoli opened the frame with the first hit of the night, a double into right-center field. After a slow start to the season, Napoli has turned it on of late, hitting safely in seven of his last eight games. He now leads the team in both doubles (5) and extra-base hits (7) while still holding the club lead in RBIs (11).

Walks by both Will Middlebrooks and Jonny Gomes loaded the bases for David Ross, and Ross worked yet another walk after taking some several pitches from Jimenez that didn’t miss by much.

A line-drive sacrifice fly by No. 9 hitter Pedro Ciriaco allowed Middlebrooks to score the inning’s second run, and Jacoby Ellsbury brought Gomes all the way home from second when his line drive up the middle ricocheted off shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera’s glove.

Jimenez then walked both Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia in succession, bringing in Boston’s fourth run and prompting pitching coach Mickey Callaway to lift his starter with two outs. Cody Allen will come on for the Indians.

End 1st, 0-0: Felix Doubront is similarly effective in the first, and we have yet to see a baserunner on an overcast evening in Cleveland.

It has been awhile since Doubront has taken the mound for the Sox. John Lackey’s injury led to Alfredo Aceves’ promotion to the rotation, and manager John Farrell chose to use the right-handed Aceves instead of the southpaw Doubront in last week’s series finale against Baltimore.

With the next game being postponed due to rain, Doubront’s layoff between starts was stretched to 11 days.

Mid 1st, 0-0: Ellsbury, Shane Victorino and Dustin Pedroia all ground out to the left side of the infield as Jimenez makes quick work of the Sox in the first.

This is a welcome change from the right-hander’s most recent start last Monday, in which he was shelled for seven runs on seven hits and three walks in just 4 1/3 innings.

Since the Indians did not play yesterday, players for both teams are wearing Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 tonight. Cleveland players have also joined the Red Sox in wearing black armbands in honor of the victims.

Drew Stubbs, Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana will get things started for the Indians against Felix Doubront.

7:05 p.m.: As Will Middlebrooks told the media before the game, “It’s a good thing we’re able to give the people something positive.” Let’s play ball.

Jacoby Ellsbury comes up to receive the first pitch from Cleveland’s Ubaldo Jimenez.

7 p.m.: A collective hush falls over Progressive Field as the teams hold a moment of silence in memory of the victims.

6:45 p.m.: The tarp is off the field in Cleveland, and all signs indicate that tonight’s game will get started on time. Stadium officials will keep a close eye on the forecast, though, as chances of precipitation range from 60 percent to 90 percent in the lakeside city over the next three hours.

6:30 p.m.: “Boston Strong” is the theme in the Red Sox clubhouse leading up to tonight’s contest, as tributes from the Boston players continue to pop up on social media.

Third baseman Will Middlebrooks, who has been very outspoken in his support for the city, tweeted a photo of the cleats he will wear tonight, with those same words inscribed in sliver Sharpie. That same marker was used by every Red Sox player to sign a large banner bearing the Boston “B” and the word “strong.”

Even though many of these players have been wearing the blue and red for just a few short weeks, it’s clear that they have already developed a deep connection to the city.

5:30 p.m.: In the wake of yesterday’s tragedy, both the Red Sox and other teams around the majors have poured out their support for the city of Boston. That will continue tonight.

The center-field flag at Cleveland’s Progressive Field has been set at half-mast, and NESN’s Jenny Dell reports all Sox players will wear black armbands for the entirety of their three-game road trip.

As for the action on the field, Boston will feature a new face at shortstop as Pedro Ciriaco makes his first start since April 6.

Terry Francona’s Indians lineup is far different from anything the Red Sox have seen in the past, as only three of tonight’s starters in the field (shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, catcher Carlos Santana and left fielder Michael Brantley) were with the team at the beginning of last season.

One of the newcomers is former Francona disciple Mike Aviles, who spent all of 2012 with Boston. He’ll start at second base for Cleveland tonight and bat seventh. Here are the full starting lineups:

Red Sox
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
David Ross, C
Pedro Ciriaco, SS

Felix Doubront, LHP

Indians
Drew Stubbs, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Michael Brantley, LF
Mike Aviles, 2B
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Ryan Raburn, RF

Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP

8 a.m. ET: It will surely take more than one day for the city of Boston to recover from the tragedy that marred the end of the Boston Marathon on Monday.

The Bruins postponed their game with the Senators on Monday night, and the Celtics chose to cancel their Tuesday night contest against the Pacers at TD Garden. But for the Red Sox, who traveled to Cleveland after wrapping up a Patriots’ Day win over Tampa Bay, baseball will be played.

Felix Doubront makes his second start of the season as the Red Sox take on an Indians squad led by manager Terry Francona, who faces the Sox for the first time since leaving Boston after the 2011 season. Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez will take the mound for Cleveland.

After sweeping the Rays in three games at Fenway Park, the Sox will look to improve their winning streak to four games against their first non-division opponent of the year.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., but be sure to check back here throughout the day for a breakdown of the starting lineups, pregame analysis and much more.

Tuesday night’s Red Sox-Indians game would have been one where everyone talked about Terry Francona managing against the Red Sox for the first time.

But after Monday’s events at the Boston Marathon, Francona’s pregame news conference centered around the place he called home for eight years.

“[Patriots' Day] is so special to the people in Boston. They’re so proud of that day,” Francona said.

The typically joyful day in Boston was rocked Monday when two bombs exploded near the finish line of the race. Hear what else the former Sox manager had to say in the video above.

The Red Sox would very much like to have the better of Tito in this first matchup, and the team is mixing up the lineup to give itself the best chance of doing just that Tuesday night. Pedro Ciriaco is getting the start at shortstop for the Sox in place of a struggling Stephen Drew, while David Ross will catch Felix Doubront instead of Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

That lineup will face Cleveland starter Ubaldo Jimenez, who enters the game as the owner of an 0-1 record and a 6.97 ERA through two starts. Check out the starting lineups for both teams below.

Boston Red Sox (8-4)

Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Shane Victorino, RF
Dustin Pedroia, 2B
Mike Napoli, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Daniel Nava, LF
Jonny Gomes, DH
David Ross, C
Pedro Ciriaco, SS

Felix Doubront, LHP

Cleveland Indians (5-6)

Drew Stubbs, CF
Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
Carlos Santana, C
Nick Swisher, 1B
Mark Reynolds, DH
Michael Brantley, LF
Mike Aviles, 2B
Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
Ryan Raburn, RF

Ubaldo Jimenez, RHP

However, with tributes to the Boston Marathon tragedy coming in from around the world, the Cleveland Indians are also showing due respect as they welcome the Red Sox to Progressive Field. As noted by multiple Red Sox beat writers, the flag in center field at the Cleveland ballpark has been lowered to half-staff, honoring Boston and the loss the city has suffered.

Check out a picture of the Progressive Field flag below.

Photo via Twitter/@PeteAbe

Last season saw one of the tightest and most debated MVP races in recent history, with baseball enthusiasts going toe-to-toe over whether Mike Trout or Miguel Cabrera deserved the honor in the America League. Cabrera, who ultimately won the award, had the benefit of baseball’s first Triple Crown since 1967, but many considered Trout to be more valuable for a number of reasons, including how he looked from a sabermetric standpoint.

Trout and Cabrera are the front-runners to compete for the award again this season, but who will join them? Robinson Cano? Jose Bautista? Albert Pujols?

There are a number of names being tossed around, and that’s usually the case. Each season, we’re presented with the opportunity to make award predictions, only to then realize we have no idea what’s going to happen until the games start up for real. But hey, that’s the best part. Who doesn’t like to be wrong?

In any event, I’ve taken a stab at this year’s awards. Some picks were more difficult to make than others, and I’ll likely be kicking myself at the end of the year, but here goes nothing.

Click here to see the 2013 MLB awards predictions >>

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Stephen Strasburg photo (left) via Facebook/Washington Nationals from B/R

Joey Votto photo (right) via Facebook/Cincinnati Reds from B/R

Chris Young

Young, who was an All-Star as a member of the Padres in 2007, had been pitching for the Nationals this spring, but the club granted him his release on Tuesday. Young reportedly “loved” playing with the Nationals, but he exercised his opt-out clause in the hopes of securing a major league contract elsewhere.

Realizing that Young would soon hit the open market, a number of teams sent scouts to Young’s start against the Astros on Monday. Those teams included the Red Sox, Orioles, Blue Jays, Twins, Indians, Cubs, Cardinals, Brewers and Mets, according to FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal.

The Washington Post’s Adam Kilgore reports that the Nats are “hopeful, if not optimistic,” that they can lure Young back if he doesn’t find a major league deal elsewhere, but the 33-year-old has put together a rather impressive spring.

Young made four starts and allowed five runs (four earned) in 16 innings (2.25 ERA) before his release. He held opposing hitters to a .193 average, and he didn’t allow a run in his last nine innings.

Young made 20 starts with the Mets last season, and went 4-9 with a 4.15 ERA. The righty notched back-to-back double-digit win seasons in 2005 and 2006, before then earning the All-Star nod while going 9-8 with a 3.12 ERA in 2007.

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.

Photo via Wikipedia/Chris Young

Daisuke Matsuzaka

The Cleveland Indians released the right-handed pitcher Sunday. Matsuzaka was signed to a minor league deal Feb. 10.

Matsuzaka pitched in four games with the Indians during spring training. He allowed 10 hits in eight innings but surrendered just two runs for a 2.25 ERA. He struck out three and allowed one walk and one home run.

Matsuzaka drew interest from the Astros and Marlins before deciding to sign with Cleveland.

The Japanese product started 11 games last season for the Red Sox. He had an 8.28 ERA with a 1.708 WHIP. He went 1-7 and struck out 41 in 45 2/3 innings.

Matsuzaka, trying to make a comeback after pitching in just 11 games last season with Boston following elbow reconstruction surgery, may accept an offer to stay in the club’s minor league camp. The 32-year-old Japanese right-hander was trying to win a spot in Cleveland’s rotation.

Indians general manager Chris Antonetti and manager Terry Francona met with Dice-K and reliever Matt Capps on Monday and told both they will not break camp with the club.

Matsuzaka expressed an interest in staying with Cleveland, Antonetti said, adding that details need to be worked out with agent Scott Boras.

Capps hasn’t decided whether he’ll stay in camp, Antonetti said. Capps began last season as Minnesota’s closer but shoulder problems limited him to 30 games.

“Don’t blink,” Farrell joked to reporters before Thursday’s game.

Farrell admitted that he has seen Francona’s video — which is actually kind of funny despite how played out the “Harlem Shake” craze has become and how lame it was to begin with. The Red Sox skipper said he had a good laugh at Francona’s expense.

“Well, we’re talking about as players develop, he hasn’t developed any more as a dancer,” Farrell said.

The Red Sox and Indians square off for the first time this season in Cleveland on April 16. There’s no word yet on whether either manager will slap on the dancing shoes for that three-game set.

Click here to see Francona’s “Harlem Shake” video >>

Have a question for Ricky Doyle? Send it to him via Twitter at @TheRickyDoyle or send it here.