Boston pitcher Tim Wakefield and his knuckleball kept Cleveland scoreless until the fifth. Then, the Tribe exploded.
Casey Blake started the rally with a homer to left. Over the next 35 minutes, the Indians would rack up 7 runs, including a three-run homer from Jhonny Peralta.
Red Sox manager Terry Francona said that was the big blow in the game.
FRANCONA: If we can stop bleeding right there, it certainly gives a much better chance. And we still came back, with a lot of energy, and swung the bats in the next inning, but we dug ourselves a big hole.
The Red Sox did their best to battle back in the 6th, with three consecutive home runs. But it wasn't enough. The score would remain the same for the rest of the game. Indians manager Eric Wedge credited starter Paul Byrd for his control. But Byrd said his opponent Tim Wakefield pitched a great game. So, the fifth inning was a pleasant surprise.
BYRD: I wasn't expecting very many runs and all of a sudden we have seven. So, it was a great, great night for us.
With a day off today, Byrd hopes top pitcher C.C. Sabithia can put Boston away at the Jake Thursday.
Dan Bobkoff, 90.3.