NOTEBOOK | Indians vs. Red Sox

Bullpen boost: Relievers Jason Davis and Bob Wickman pitched three scoreless innings in Wednesday's 7-1 victory over the Red Sox. It was the first time since April 18 that Cleveland's bullpen has not allowed a run, a span of seven games. The Indians' pen has held the opposition scoreless in just eight of 21 games this season. "With the injuries we've had, we needed [Davis] to step up," said Indians manager Eric Wedge. Davis was 8-5 with a 4.61 ERA in 16 starts at Triple-A Buffalo last season and split time between starting and relieving last year in Cleveland. He's been shifted to relieving full-time this season. "I think he's more comfortable," Wedge said of Davis. "He's getting work in the bullpen and I think he likes it." Wedge is hoping Davis can join Guillermo Mota as the team's top setup men. "We've gotta have more than one guy," said Wedge. "You need two or three guys to work the seventh and eighth innings." Davis is 0-0 with a 3.09 ERA in 11 2/3 innings this season.
Strange pitch: Indians starter Cliff Lee doesn't throw a knuckleball during games, but has he ever thrown one for fun? "Yeah, just about every day," he said. "Me and Scott Sauerbeck throw it. I'll throw a good one occasionally, but it's nothing like [Boston pitcher Tim] Wakefield's. He throws a good one every time." Since Lee's in the American League, he doesn't have to worry about hitting one. "I would really like to," he said, smiling. "I think it would be fun." Indians third baseman Aaron Boone might laugh at that. Boone struck out his first two times against Wakefield before doubling in the fifth. After the second strikeout, he smiled and shook his head as he went back to the dugout. Before hitting the double, he swung and missed -- badly -- on the first two pitches. Boone entered the game batting .125 in his career against Wakefield. What's the hardest part about hitting it? "The uncertainty of the movement," said Boone. "From our end, you're not sure what to do."
Running free: The Indians stole a season-high three bases against Wakefield. Most teams try to run more against Wakefield because it takes longer to deliver the knuckleball to the plate. Ronnie Belliard and Grady Sizemore stole their first bases of the season and Jason Michaels stole his second. The three steals, combined with four passed balls, made for an interesting night on the bases. "You tell the guys to be more aggressive with their secondary leads," said Wedge. "You've got to track the ball all the way in [to the catcher's mitt] and be prepared to move. You don't take it for granted [that the ball will get away], but you have to be prepared for it."
Joe Scalzo