Tue May 13 14:38:34 2008

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Francona to miss series after mother-in-law's death

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Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona will miss the team's two-game series against the Baltimore Orioles after the death of his mother-in-law.

Mary Ann Lang, the mother of Francona's wife, Jacque, passed away on Monday night in Tucson, Arizona.

Francona and his family flew to Tucson and the skipper will miss games against the O's set for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Bench coach Brad Mills will manage the defending World Series champions in Francona's absence.

The Red Sox are currently 24-17 and sitting atop the AL East, one-half game ahead of the surprising Tampa Bay Rays.