The Cleveland Indians responded nicely after Wednesday's seven-run drubbing at the hands of the White Sox, and took down the Boston Red Sox 8-3 in Thursday's series opener at Fenway Park.
Cleveland starter Derek Lowe went six innings and scattered nine hits with two earned to pick up the win, lowering his season ERA to 2.47 in the process. Indians' hitters managed to chase Boston starter Josh Beckett from the game right away in the third inning, forcing the one-time ace to hit the showers with a brutal 2.1 IP - 7 H - 7 ER line.
Offensively, though, the bats woke up for Manny Acta's team after a frustrating performance in their previous outing. Outfielder Michael Brantley finished 4-for-5 from the plate with a pair of RBI, while red-hot second baseman Jason Kipnis belted his sixth home run of the season in the third inning to signal the beginning of the end for Beckett's day. In addition, third baseman Jack Hannahan also raised his season average to .300 with a 2-for-4 night that featured a homer and two RBI.
Now sitting at a remarkable 10-3 away from home this season, Cleveland will look to keep its good fortunes on the road going strong with Ubaldo Jimenez on the mound for Friday's game.
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