Kelvin Kuo – USA TODAY Sports
The Boston Red Sox extend their winning streak to five games on Wednesday night, topping the Cleveland Indians, 6-3.
Jon Lester is the ace of the Red Sox and he has been showing it this season. Lester is looking to extend his outstanding start to the 2013 season, as he goes for the sweep of the Indians on Thursday night.
Lester has held opponents to two or less runs in all three starts this season, going 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA and 18 strikeouts over 19 innings of work. His statistics and command on the mound is a huge improvement over his past two seasons for the Red Sox.
The hot start for the Red Sox can be associated with the great start for Lester and the return of John Farrell to the dugout. The 29-year-old has pitched this season like he has everything to lose and although its early, he has pitched well enough to be in consideration for the AL Cy Young award.
The left-hander will look to extend his quality starts and this time against his former skipper Terry Francona. Lester and Francona had a great relationship while in Boston, as the two were good friends while Lester battled through cancer. The pitcher once made statement in which he didn’t think any other manager I could have had that comfort level. Although they were once close friends, Lester will want to win this one for Boston on Thursday night.
The Indians will send Zach McAllister to the mound for his first start against the Red Sox in 2013. His last appearance against the Red Sox came on Aug. 11, 2012, tossing eight innings, surrendering two earned runs, and striking out four, while earning the victory. In two games this season, the 25-year-old is 1-1 with a 2.19 ERA and nine strikeouts over 12.1 innings of work.
First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. eastern at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.
Justin Soderberg is a Boston Red Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, ”Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
