MLB Betting Preview Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox - 08-02-11

August 2 - The Boston Red Sox lost 6-9 to the Cleveland Indians at Fenway Park last night, despite boasting the best record in the AL division, which is why tonight's Game 2 of the three-game series is so important. Hence the following MLB Betting Preview Cleveland Indians vs Boston Red Sox.

Sent back to the locker room with their tails firmly between their legs last night, the Red Sox will no doubt have got it in the ear from manager Terry Francona, especially as last night's unexpected loss took place at home and was only Boston's seventh (loss) from 28 games.

MLB oddsmakers have Boston as the -260 favorites

However, credit to the Cleveland Indians, who played nothing less than inspired baseball. Consider talented shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, who hit a two-run home run (his second of the evening) which served to break a 5-all tie in the eighth inning, and helped clinch Cleveland the victory and a case of kudos.

But despite Cleveland's storming start to the series, MLB oddsmakers have installed Boston as the -260 MLB betting favorites in tonight's game. And according to the latest MLB betting stats, over 80 percent of bets for tonight's game have been placed on the Boston Red Sox.

This means the Red Sox have a lot to live up to tonight. But there is no doubt that many in the Boston camp will be hoping Cabrera does not fire on all cylinders tonight, the way he did last night. Plus it won't be lost on them that Cabrera is 10 for 27 against Boston, with four home runs and 11 RBIs.

Cabrera has shattered his previous records this season

And statistically, Cabrera has shattered most of his previous records this season. For instance, while previously his career high was six home runs, so far this season he has chalked up a none-too-shabby 19.

Given stats like that, and the fact last night's loss reduced Boston's AL East lead over the New York Yankees to just one game, MLB betting fans may be forgiven for thinking tonight's game could be all about how Cabrera performs.

But for our MLB betting buck, a re-focused Red Sox will emerge this evening and level the series at 1-1, Cabrera or no Cabrera.

MLB betting odds at BetOnline: