The Cleveland Indians (26-19) will begin their weekend series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park with a Thursday night matchup set for 7:10 p.m. ET. The game will air live on NESN in Boston, as well as online at MLB.com with a paid subscription and free here.
Indians manager Terry Francona will make his first return to Fenway Park since joining the Cleveland organization. Francona spent eight seasons in Boston and led the Red Sox to two World Series victories, including their first in 86 years during the 2004 season and later in 2007.
He was released by the team after their collapse in 2011 and said he hasn't given much thought to his homecoming, but he's certain it will conjure up some memories.
"I'm sure I'll have a lot of emotions," he said Wednesday before his AL Central-leading Indians lost 11-7 to Detroit. "The one thing I want to remind myself -- and I have -- is that this game is tough enough to play and I don't want our guys having extra baggage during that series. I need to be very cognizant of that, that whatever feelings I'm having, I'll deal with 'em.
"It's hard enough to play this game."
Francona returned to Fenway in 2012 as a member of ESPN's broadcast team. But Thursday's matchup marks the first time he'll be wearing a uniform, and the 53-year-old made it clear that although he'll forever be remembered for what he helped the Red Sox accomplish, he's Cleveland's manager.
"I'm proud to go back there as an Indian," he said. "I don't want that to ever get lost in the shuffle."
Francona will start Zach McAllister (3-3) for the Indians. McAllister currently owns a 2.65 ERA and is coming off a 7.1 inning no decision in which he earned a no decision.
Boston will counter with Ryan Dempter (2-4). Dempster has a 4.27 ERA and is also coming off a no decision in which he allowed five earned runs over 4.2 innings.
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