Justin Masterson will attempt to win his third straight start tonight when the Indians face the Red Sox as the four-game series continues at Fenway Park.
The last time the right-hander won three straight was July 21-Aug. 1 last season. Masterson (4-4, 4.61 ERA) beat the Red Sox on June 2 at Progressive Field as he had a season-high 10 strikeouts. In his career, Masterson is 4-3 with a 3.66 ERA in eight starts against Boston.
After taking three of four at Texas, the Tribe has dropped three straight and is trying to avoid its fourth losing streak of four games or longer. Going into today, the Indians trail Detroit by 3 ½ games with the gap between first and last in the AL Central being four games.
Indians Live begins coverage on SportsTime Ohio at 6:30 p.m. - take a look back at the key at-bat last night, Matt and Rick on the streakiness of the team and watch his 25 consecutive strikes vs the Red Sox again.
Here are other things to watch tonight:
Lonnie watch: Lonnie Chisenhall is expected to return to the lineup after having Thursday off. He has a career-high, nine-game hitting streak as his average has increased to .393. Chisenhall is 41 of 91 since May 14 and was 4 for 11 during the Red Sox series last week.
10 and counting: Jason Kipnis has hit safely in 10 straight games (14 for 42) and has eight RBI in his past four games. The second baseman is batting .296 in 14 games since returning from the disabled list on May 28.
Comfortable on the road: Of Carlos Santana's 22 RBI, all but four have come on the road.
Lackey faces Tribe: John Lackey tossed a complete game against the Indians on June 2 but lost 3-2. The last time he faced Cleveland at Fenway Park (May 24, 2013) he allowed just an unearned run in seven innings. The right-hander has a 3.93 ERA in 18 career starts against the Tribe.
Powering up: David Ortiz has homered in two straight games against the Indians and has 21 in his career against Cleveland.
