The Buzz: 5/8

Red Sox:
The Red Sox and Tigers put the wraps on their four-game set tonight at Detroit’s Comerica Park. First pitch is set for 7 (NESN, AM 680 WRKO). Boston sends righty Josh Beckett (3-2, 4.19 ERA) to the hill against Justin Verlander (1-5, 6.28 ERA). It’ll mark Beckett’s first career start at Comerica, and leaves Minnesota’s Metrodome as the only American League park where Beckett hasn’t pitched. As for Verlander, he’s struggled to find the sort of form that allowed him to pick up 18 wins last season — he has just one quality start this season.

Celtics:
Game 2 of the Celtics-Cavs series is set for tonight at 7 at the TD Banknorth Garden (ESPN, Sportsradio 850 WEEI). One guy who’s itching to get back on the floor is Boston’s sharpshooting guard Ray Allen, who struggled mightily in Game 1. In the series opener against the Cavs, The Artist Formerly Known as Jesus Shuttlesworth went 0-for-4 from the field for his first scoreless performance in 852 games since 1997.

Revolution:
The Revolution travels to meet CD Chivas Sunday at 3 p.m. (TV38). The last time these two teams hooked up, the fans got their money’s worth: last July 7, New England’s Steve Ralston tied the Major League Soccer career assist record (114) by providing the assist on Andy Dorman’s equalizing goal in the 64th minute, as the Revolution came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Gillette.

Metro sportswriters on TV/radio:
Look and listen for Metro sportswriters this week on the following area shows:

JEFF HOWE: “Back to Sports” with Bob Bladd, Sunday at 11 a.m. on 1510 The Zone.