Boston at Cleveland

Boston collapsed down the stretch, blowing home field for this series. It hurt them last night, having to open the playoffs on the road. Boston was favored but lost Game 1 as the pitching was shaky and the offense looked tight at the plate. They also lost the managerial battle, which is no surprise, as Terry Francona made the key move to bring Andrew Miller in early while John Farrell's relief moves gave up one key run -- and that was the difference in a 5-4 game. The Red Sox turn to David Price, who is 2-7 in the playoffs with a 5.12 ERA. Some guys rise to the occasion and some want to hide. He has also never won a postseason start, with the wins coming in relief. This Cleveland offense finished fifth in baseball in runs scored, eighth in on-base percentage and ninth in slugging. And the bullpen is outstanding, closing it out last night, making the Indians 83-1 with a lead after eight innings this season. Cleveland is 54-28 at home and goes with ace Corey Kluber (18-9, 3.14 ERA), one of the best pitchers in the majors after the All-Star break, registering a 9-1 record with a 2.52 ERA in 14 starts. The Indians are on a 42-16 run at home, including 37-17 against a team with a winning record. With the Red Sox on a 2-8 run at Cleveland, back the home team that is 39-19 when Kluber starts at home. Play Cleveland.