Boston Dominates Cleveland in the Opener [David Stefanini]

The Cleveland Indians did not record a single out for David Ortiz or Manny Ramirez. How are they going to win if they can't get those two guys out once? By the end of the 3rd inning the score was 5-1, and with Josh Beckett pitching everyone knew that was enough.

Beckett once again showed his post season dominance. He went 6 innings, giving up only 2 runs and 4 hits, while striking out 7. His counter-part for this game, Cy Young candidate CC Sabathia, didn't pitch as well. He went only 4.1 giving up 8 runs, 7 hits, and walking 5 batters.

So how does Cleveland plan on winning this series? For starters I would try getting either Manny or Ortiz out. Ortiz has reached base 16 times this post season, on 18 plate appearances. He has 7 hits, 8 walks, and a hit-by-pitch. Manny has reached base 11 out of his last 12 plate appearances.

Boston is clearly the team to beat in this post season. Now they have to find a way to hit Carmona, who pitched excellent baseball in his last outing against the Yankees. Boston will send Curt Schilling to pitch, who always comes through in the clutch. I'd look for Boston to head to Cleveland with a 2-0 series lead.