1

Final 1 2 3   4 5 6   7 8 9   R H E Cleveland 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3 0 Boston 0 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 x 4 8 0

4

  W: F. Doubront (3-1)   L: Z. McAllister (1-1)   S: A. Aceves (7)

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Indians-Red Sox Preview

By MATT BROWN

(AP) -- The Boston Red Sox are finally in the win column at Fenway Park in May.

Posting consecutive victories could be another matter.

The Red Sox go for their first back-to-back wins this month and their first consecutive triumphs at home since mid-April when they play the third of four games against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night.

Boston (13-19) had dropped three straight overall and all six of its home games in May before breaking through to beat AL Central-leading Cleveland (18-14) 7-5 on Friday night. Dustin Pedroia had three hits and three RBIs, and Will Middlebrooks hit a two-run double to back 6 1-3 innings of work from Clay Buchholz, who allowed four runs but earned the win by giving the Red Sox only their third quality start of the month.

"It's obviously been tough for us, but it's good to get back in the win column and get something going," outfielder Cody Ross said. "There is a sense of urgency to play like we're capable of."

Boston's last win and last quality start prior to Friday both came from Felix Doubront (2-1, 5.01 ERA), who will get the ball Saturday attempting to lead the Red Sox to their first back-to-back victories since a six-game streak April 23-28. All of that streak occurred away from Fenway, where they haven't posted consecutive wins since taking their first three home games of the season against Tampa Bay from April 13-15.

Despite having the least major league experience of the pitchers in Boston's rotation, Doubront has been possibly the most consistent of the bunch, allowing three earned runs or fewer in four of his six outings. The 24-year-old left-hander, who has never faced the Indians, gave up five runs - three earned - in 6 1-3 innings of Monday's 11-5 victory at Kansas City.

Josh Tomlin was originally slated to start for Cleveland, but the right-hander was scratched due to right wrist soreness.

Zach McAllister (1-0, 3.00 ERA) will start in place of Tomlin. The rookie was called up from the minors Monday to start against the Chicago White Sox and got the victory, allowing four runs - two earned - in six innings of an 8-6 win.

McAllister, who made four starts with the Indians last season, has never faced Boston.

He might not have to face slugger David Ortiz, whose status is unclear after he left Friday's game with a sore left heel.

Cleveland has dropped three of four following a 6-1 stretch and is trying to avoid its first back-to-back losses of the season on the road, where it is a major league-best 10-4.

The Indians are 4-7 when facing a left-handed starter, compared with a 14-7 mark against righties.

Updated May 12, 2012