The Sox fared pretty well against the Pirates over the weekend, but I'm still a little disappointed. Until Saturday's game, the Red Sox had scored at least one run in all of their previous games.

Of all the teams to do it, the Pirates shut them out. Blimey.

They redeeemed themselves Sunday with a brilliant performance by Matt Clement.

With Pedro now in a Mets uniform, Schilling on the disabled list and David Wells inconsistent, Clement has become the ace of the staff. He has recorded nine strikeouts in each of his last two outings, while only allowing 2 walks during that span.

The Boston Globe writes about the phenom that is Matt Clement.

He may be learning a thing or two from some of the veterans. David Wells is notorious for his low-walk performances. His presence in the clubhouse may be a blessing after all. Although, I doubt there is much else I want Clement to learn from him. Last year Clement averaged almost 2.6 walks per start. This year, he has lowered that average to about two. Impressive. I hope he can keep up the pace.

It is truly my belief that walks destroy you in a game. I've seen it over and over. I would much rather a pitcher throw strikes and see the opposition make contact. Boston's infielders have great defensive abilities. Pitchers there must learn to trust in those abilities. I think Clement will continue to do so.

Speaking of Wells...He'll go tonight against the Indians in Cleveland. Over the last month, Wells has been exceptional. His WHIP is getting lower with each start. If he get his ERA a bit lower, I'll be eating more words. (At present I think he and I are about even matching blows. However one more shutout performance in a row and Wells will earn a TKO. Until that happens it's still open season.)

Wells may get lucky. Cleveland has won nine games in a row. The Indians aren't that good. They have been fortunate to face some pretty weak teams of late (Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies and Padres). Of the teams they faced during that span only San Diego has a winning record. MSNBC.com says the Sox look to end torrid Indians' streak.

C.C. Sabathia will be on the mound for the tribe. Sabathia reminds me a little of Wells, maybe it's that 6'7'' - 290 pound frame. He has been pretty consistent this year except for his last outing against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies scored 6 runs on him in 3 1/3 innings. Raising his ERA to 3.91. You'd kind of expect that versus the Rockies, but unfortunately the Indians were home in Cleveland. What makes it worse - according to Allstarstats.com, the bullpen had not difficulty pitching the rest of the game without surrendering a run, while striking out 13.

I think that Sabathia was simply having a bad day. With that said, tonight's matchup will prove to be interesting. MLB.com says he's ready to make the Sox see red.

My prediction, both teams will score three runs against the starters and a late inning home run will win it.

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