5 - 29 - 10 at New York W, 13 - 11 18 - 29
Before the Indians could begin their biggest comeback of the season, they first had to experience one of the scariest incidents that there can possibly be in the game of baseball.
The Yankees were already leading 1 - 0 in the bottom of third, and they were threatening again with the powerful Alex Rodriguez at the plate. A - Rod lined a shot back up the middle, and Tribe pitcher David Huff tried to get out of the way, but the ball hit him square in the head and caromed towards the line in right field. The impact knocked Huff unconscious for several minutes and he finally had to be carted off the diamond. He did, however, give a thumbs - up to the nervous crowd, and the news continued to get better as his CT scan came back negative.
After the frame ended, Cleveland was down 3 - 0, but they came roaring back in the fourth. Austin Kearns singled and Jhonny Peralta walked to set up the scoring plays. With two outs, Mark Grudzielanek singled home Kearns, and Matt LaPorta followed that up by doubling up the alley in left - center, scoring both Peralta and Grudzielanek.
The Yankees, though, exploded off the Indians' bullpen for six runs in their half of the fourth. Aaron Laffey's control problems were the killer as he walked three and hit a batter. Robinson Cano's two - run double put the exclamation point on the rally.
The two teams traded scores in the fifth, and the Tribe was still trailing 10 - 5 heading into the seventh. The Tribe began their rally quietly when Trevor Crowe was hit by a pitch and then stole second base. That steal allowed Crowe to score on Kearns' single, and the fans began to get a little restless. Things would get much worse for the home team thanks to a Peralta walk and another Grudzielanek RBI single. That brought the tying run to the plate, and after LaPorta walked, Cleveland batters really began to tee off. Lou Marson and Jason Donald hit back - to back two - run doubles, and before the inning had ended, Crowe had contributed a run - scoring single. The Yankees used four pitchers in the frame, but couldn't prevent seven runs from scoring.
A Russell Branyan moon - shot in the eighth provided insurance, and the Indians were able to withstand a Yanks' run in the ninth.
What made the comeback even more impressive was that it was accomplished off the Yankees' ace, C.C. Sabathia, and one of their best relievers, Joba Chamberlain.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Yankees too Much for Tribe in Series Opener
5 - 28 - 10 at New York Yankees L, 8 - 2 17 - 29
At this point in the season, the last thing the Indians need is to play a team like the New York Yankees, yet that is exactly the way the schedule has fallen for the Tribe in late May. The various reasons why Cleveland does not want to play the Yanks were on display in an 8 - 2 rout put together by the Bronx Bombers.
Nick Swisher's second inning two - run homer got the home team off to a great start, and following a two spot in the sixth by the Yankees, the Indians were in trouble.
The Indians got on the board in the fourth when Jhonny Peralta smoked a RBI double down the left field line, and Russell Branyan's solo shot in the seventh brought the Tribe a little closer, but heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Pinstripers still led 4 - 2.
In that seventh frame, the Yankees removed all doubt off the Cleveland bullpen. Derek Jeter singled, Curtis Granderson doubled, and Mark Teixeira walked to load the bases with nobody out. Robinson Cano then removed all doubt with a grand slam into the upper deck in right. Tony Sipp was responsible for all four tallies.
By allowing four runs in six innings, Fausto Carmona became the losing pitcher, and Phil Hughes' dominating outing earned him the win.
At this point in the season, the last thing the Indians need is to play a team like the New York Yankees, yet that is exactly the way the schedule has fallen for the Tribe in late May. The various reasons why Cleveland does not want to play the Yanks were on display in an 8 - 2 rout put together by the Bronx Bombers.
Nick Swisher's second inning two - run homer got the home team off to a great start, and following a two spot in the sixth by the Yankees, the Indians were in trouble.
The Indians got on the board in the fourth when Jhonny Peralta smoked a RBI double down the left field line, and Russell Branyan's solo shot in the seventh brought the Tribe a little closer, but heading into the bottom of the seventh, the Pinstripers still led 4 - 2.
In that seventh frame, the Yankees removed all doubt off the Cleveland bullpen. Derek Jeter singled, Curtis Granderson doubled, and Mark Teixeira walked to load the bases with nobody out. Robinson Cano then removed all doubt with a grand slam into the upper deck in right. Tony Sipp was responsible for all four tallies.
By allowing four runs in six innings, Fausto Carmona became the losing pitcher, and Phil Hughes' dominating outing earned him the win.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Cleveland Indians: White Sox Win Odd Game vs. Tribe
5 - 26 - 10 vs. Chicago White Sox L, 5 - 4 17 - 28
While balks, ejections, and errors are all a part of the game of baseball, they are by no means common nor do they enhance the quality of play. However, they all three played a very key role in the series finale between the Sox and Indians at Progressive Field.
This strange tale begins in the second inning following a two - out single by Matt LaPorta. The White Sox ace, Mark Buerhle, was called for a balk on a pick - off attempt. Buerhle was not very happy about it, and was probably about to get tossed when his manager Ozzie Guillen came out of the dugout to argue his case. That resulted in Guillen being ejected, although Buerhle was permitted to remain in the game. That would not be the case, though, in the third when Mark was called for another balk. Buerhle fired his glove to the ground and he was promptly dismissed from the contest. Both balks and both ejections were issued by first - base ump Joe West.
With one of the best pitchers in baseball in the Sox clubhouse, the Indians probably thought it would be smooth sailing, but from that point on, it was virtually all Chicago. In the fourth, they scored three times as Paul Konerko hit a RBI single and Mark Teahen drove in a pair on his single. Mark Kotsay's two - run bomb to right - center field in the sixth appeared to put the game away because the visitors had a comfortable 5 - 1 lead.
Jake Westbrook left after the seventh, having allowed five runs, and while all of them were earned, he received no help from his defense that committed four errors.
The Sox still led by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth when Cleveland nearly made their best comeback of the season. Jhonny Peralta led off with a double, and Matt Laporta and Luis Valbuena also reached with a walk and a single, respectively. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Travis Hafner drew a walk that forced in a tally, and then in the exact same situation, Shelley Duncan laced a two - run single to left. The Indians now trailed by only one run, and they had men on first and second with still nobody out. Trevor Crowe laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving the tying and winning runs into scoring positon. That, however, was as far as the Tribe got thanks to a strikeout by Austin Kearns and a fly - out off the bat of Russell Branyan.
The story of the game was the White Sox bullpen that pitched six and two - third innings following Buerhle's abrupt exit.
While balks, ejections, and errors are all a part of the game of baseball, they are by no means common nor do they enhance the quality of play. However, they all three played a very key role in the series finale between the Sox and Indians at Progressive Field.
This strange tale begins in the second inning following a two - out single by Matt LaPorta. The White Sox ace, Mark Buerhle, was called for a balk on a pick - off attempt. Buerhle was not very happy about it, and was probably about to get tossed when his manager Ozzie Guillen came out of the dugout to argue his case. That resulted in Guillen being ejected, although Buerhle was permitted to remain in the game. That would not be the case, though, in the third when Mark was called for another balk. Buerhle fired his glove to the ground and he was promptly dismissed from the contest. Both balks and both ejections were issued by first - base ump Joe West.
With one of the best pitchers in baseball in the Sox clubhouse, the Indians probably thought it would be smooth sailing, but from that point on, it was virtually all Chicago. In the fourth, they scored three times as Paul Konerko hit a RBI single and Mark Teahen drove in a pair on his single. Mark Kotsay's two - run bomb to right - center field in the sixth appeared to put the game away because the visitors had a comfortable 5 - 1 lead.
Jake Westbrook left after the seventh, having allowed five runs, and while all of them were earned, he received no help from his defense that committed four errors.
The Sox still led by four runs going into the bottom of the ninth when Cleveland nearly made their best comeback of the season. Jhonny Peralta led off with a double, and Matt Laporta and Luis Valbuena also reached with a walk and a single, respectively. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Travis Hafner drew a walk that forced in a tally, and then in the exact same situation, Shelley Duncan laced a two - run single to left. The Indians now trailed by only one run, and they had men on first and second with still nobody out. Trevor Crowe laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt, moving the tying and winning runs into scoring positon. That, however, was as far as the Tribe got thanks to a strikeout by Austin Kearns and a fly - out off the bat of Russell Branyan.
The story of the game was the White Sox bullpen that pitched six and two - third innings following Buerhle's abrupt exit.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Youngsters Point Way in Rout of the Sox
5 - 25 - 10 vs. Chicago White Sox W, 7 - 3 17 - 27
Here in 2010, the Tribe is a team that has to get production from its young players. And, against the White Sox, the Indians got just that from a pair of rookies in Mitch Talbot and Jason Donald.
Cleveland broke through in the third inning by - way of the home run. Jason Donald and Shin - Soo Choo each hit solo dingers, and before the frame was over, Russell Branyan had added a RBI single. The homer was the first in the career of Donald.
The Tribe blew it open in the sixth as they executed situational hitting to perfection. Following an Austin Kearns' single and a Branyan walk, Jhonny Peralta smacked a two - run double to left field that scored one run and also put base runners at second and third with nobody out. Then came a pair of sacrifice flies from Lou Marson and Luis Valbuena that stretched the lead to 6 - 0.
Talbot was glad that he got that extra insurance because in the seventh, he allowed two runs to score as a result of three White Sox doubles. The damage could have been worse if Mark Kotsay had not foolishly tried to stretch a two - bagger into a triple.
The Indians got one of those tallies back in the eighth after the Sox had added another run. Kearns and Peralta both hit singles, bringing up Valbuena with only one out and men on the corners. What followed was one of the most beautiful plays in baseball, the suicide squeeze. Kearns began running towards home plate as the ball was being pitched, making it imperative that Luis made contact. And he did more than that as he laid down a perfect bunt out towards the mound. Even though Valbuena was retired on the play, Kearns scored and the Indians were able to pad their advantage.
Kerry Wood got the game's final three outs, and the Tribe was able to even up their series with Chicago.
Talbot was nearly perfect prior to the seventh, and he still finished with a solid victory that was made even more impressive by the fact that he outdueled veteran pitcher Jake Peavy.
Here in 2010, the Tribe is a team that has to get production from its young players. And, against the White Sox, the Indians got just that from a pair of rookies in Mitch Talbot and Jason Donald.
Cleveland broke through in the third inning by - way of the home run. Jason Donald and Shin - Soo Choo each hit solo dingers, and before the frame was over, Russell Branyan had added a RBI single. The homer was the first in the career of Donald.
The Tribe blew it open in the sixth as they executed situational hitting to perfection. Following an Austin Kearns' single and a Branyan walk, Jhonny Peralta smacked a two - run double to left field that scored one run and also put base runners at second and third with nobody out. Then came a pair of sacrifice flies from Lou Marson and Luis Valbuena that stretched the lead to 6 - 0.
Talbot was glad that he got that extra insurance because in the seventh, he allowed two runs to score as a result of three White Sox doubles. The damage could have been worse if Mark Kotsay had not foolishly tried to stretch a two - bagger into a triple.
The Indians got one of those tallies back in the eighth after the Sox had added another run. Kearns and Peralta both hit singles, bringing up Valbuena with only one out and men on the corners. What followed was one of the most beautiful plays in baseball, the suicide squeeze. Kearns began running towards home plate as the ball was being pitched, making it imperative that Luis made contact. And he did more than that as he laid down a perfect bunt out towards the mound. Even though Valbuena was retired on the play, Kearns scored and the Indians were able to pad their advantage.
Kerry Wood got the game's final three outs, and the Tribe was able to even up their series with Chicago.
Talbot was nearly perfect prior to the seventh, and he still finished with a solid victory that was made even more impressive by the fact that he outdueled veteran pitcher Jake Peavy.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Masterson Gets Rocked and Tribe Gets Pounded by Sox
5 - 24 - 10 vs. Chicago White Sox L, 7 - 2 16 - 27
If Justin Masterson ever wants to become a good starting pitcher at the big league level, he is going to have to learn how to retire left - handed batters. In the Indians' series opening loss to Chicago, Masterson go beat around for five runs in four innings, and the White Sox lefties combined to knock in four runs off of him.
Most of the damage was done in the first inning as the Pale Hose tallied four times. The big blows came with two men gone, a RBI doulble by Mark Kotsay and a two - run double off the bat of Mark Teahen. In just that one frame, the Sox scored more times than the Tribe did all night.
It was 5 - 0 before Cleveland even got on the board, and they were able to do that in the bottom of the fourth. Russell Branyan singled and Jhonny Peralta doubled, setting the table for Matt LaPorta, who hit a RBI groundout, and for Lou Marson, who added a two - out, RBI single.
The visitors finished out the game with single runs in the seventh and ninth innings to earn the 7 - 2 victory.
John Danks was able to last five innings in which he only allowed a pair of tallies, and thus he became the winning pitcher. Masterson's struggles have been well documented, and following this dismal performance, his record now sits at 0 - 5.
If Justin Masterson ever wants to become a good starting pitcher at the big league level, he is going to have to learn how to retire left - handed batters. In the Indians' series opening loss to Chicago, Masterson go beat around for five runs in four innings, and the White Sox lefties combined to knock in four runs off of him.
Most of the damage was done in the first inning as the Pale Hose tallied four times. The big blows came with two men gone, a RBI doulble by Mark Kotsay and a two - run double off the bat of Mark Teahen. In just that one frame, the Sox scored more times than the Tribe did all night.
It was 5 - 0 before Cleveland even got on the board, and they were able to do that in the bottom of the fourth. Russell Branyan singled and Jhonny Peralta doubled, setting the table for Matt LaPorta, who hit a RBI groundout, and for Lou Marson, who added a two - out, RBI single.
The visitors finished out the game with single runs in the seventh and ninth innings to earn the 7 - 2 victory.
John Danks was able to last five innings in which he only allowed a pair of tallies, and thus he became the winning pitcher. Masterson's struggles have been well documented, and following this dismal performance, his record now sits at 0 - 5.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Tribe Prevails in Tight Game
5 - 23 - 10 Cincinnati 3 at Cleveland 4 Cleveland (16 - 26), Cincinnati (25 - 19)
In order to keep their slim chances of winning the Ohio Cup alive, the Indians had to defeat the Reds on a sun - drenched day in Cleveland. Timely hitting and solid pitching got the job done for the Tribe as they snapped a six - game losing streak.
Early on, it looked as if it was going to be another long day for the Indians because Scott Rolen smoked a two - run homer over the wall in left field in the top of the first inning. The Tribe, however, rallied right back in their half of the frame. Trevor Crowe's walk and Shin - Soo Choo's single got things started, and following a wild pitch, Travis Hafner drove home Crowe with an infield hit. Cleveland nearly stranded Choo at third base until Shelley Duncan laced a two - out RBI single to center that tied the game.
Shortly after Choo led off the third with a triple, Reds' starter Homer Bailey had to leave with pain in his shoulder and Russell Branyan greeted reliever Michah Owings with a sacrifice fly to center. The Tribe then loaded the bases on walks, but Owings got out of the jam when Jason Donald fouled out.
Rolen's second homer of the day, a solo shot in the sixth, tied the game back up, and momentarily made the Tribe pay for leaving the Redlegs in the ballgame.
In the last of the sixth, Cleveland regained the lead thanks to some more two - out hitting. Crowe and Choo both hit one - out singles, and after Hafner struck out, Jhonny Peralta lined a run - scoring single into left field.
The Indians' starter, David Huff, left the game following the sixth with a rising pitch count, so it was up to the bullpen to preserve the win for the Tribe and for Huff. And what a job the pen did with Chris Perez, Tony Sipp, and Kerry Wood combining to throw three scoreless frames.
The Reds' best threat developed in the seventh with two men out. Orlando Cabrera was hit by a pitch and Brandon Phillips walked, meaning that if Joey Votto could come through with a base hit, the game would be tied. Sipp, though, got Votto to fly out, and Cincy had allowed a golden opportunity to go by the boards.
In the ninth, the struggling Wood was summoned and he proceeded to work around a one - out single to pick up his first save of the season.
Huff's victory was his first since April 15th and it snapped his five - start losing slide.
In order to keep their slim chances of winning the Ohio Cup alive, the Indians had to defeat the Reds on a sun - drenched day in Cleveland. Timely hitting and solid pitching got the job done for the Tribe as they snapped a six - game losing streak.
Early on, it looked as if it was going to be another long day for the Indians because Scott Rolen smoked a two - run homer over the wall in left field in the top of the first inning. The Tribe, however, rallied right back in their half of the frame. Trevor Crowe's walk and Shin - Soo Choo's single got things started, and following a wild pitch, Travis Hafner drove home Crowe with an infield hit. Cleveland nearly stranded Choo at third base until Shelley Duncan laced a two - out RBI single to center that tied the game.
Shortly after Choo led off the third with a triple, Reds' starter Homer Bailey had to leave with pain in his shoulder and Russell Branyan greeted reliever Michah Owings with a sacrifice fly to center. The Tribe then loaded the bases on walks, but Owings got out of the jam when Jason Donald fouled out.
Rolen's second homer of the day, a solo shot in the sixth, tied the game back up, and momentarily made the Tribe pay for leaving the Redlegs in the ballgame.
In the last of the sixth, Cleveland regained the lead thanks to some more two - out hitting. Crowe and Choo both hit one - out singles, and after Hafner struck out, Jhonny Peralta lined a run - scoring single into left field.
The Indians' starter, David Huff, left the game following the sixth with a rising pitch count, so it was up to the bullpen to preserve the win for the Tribe and for Huff. And what a job the pen did with Chris Perez, Tony Sipp, and Kerry Wood combining to throw three scoreless frames.
The Reds' best threat developed in the seventh with two men out. Orlando Cabrera was hit by a pitch and Brandon Phillips walked, meaning that if Joey Votto could come through with a base hit, the game would be tied. Sipp, though, got Votto to fly out, and Cincy had allowed a golden opportunity to go by the boards.
In the ninth, the struggling Wood was summoned and he proceeded to work around a one - out single to pick up his first save of the season.
Huff's victory was his first since April 15th and it snapped his five - start losing slide.
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Reds Withstand Tribe Rally
5 - 22 - 10 Cincinnati Reds 6 at Cleveland 4 Cleveland (15 - 26), Cincinnati (25 - 18)
Going into the ninth inning, it appeared as if the Indians had no chance to knock off the Reds and even the two teams' interleague series, but by the end of the night, the Tribe had blown a chance to win the game.
Cincinnati took a 6 - 2 lead into that final frame by taking advantage of three Cleveland defensive miscues. In the first, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce each contributed RBI singles, and a Trevor Crowe throwing error aided the Redlegs' cause. Laynce Nix blasted a two - run homer to right field in the fourth, and Cincy looked to have the game in hand. A two - run shot off the bat of Travis Hafner in the sixth made things a little closer, yet the contest still entered the ninth with the visitors up by four.
Francisco Cordero was summoned from the Reds' bullpen, and he promptly gave up singles to Matt LaPorta and Shelley Duncan, putting two on with only one out. The hit was Duncan's first as an Indian. A Russell Branyan walk loaded the bases and Crowe smacked a two - run single to the gap in left - center that brought the Tribe within two and put the tying tallies on base. The next two batters, however, were retired as Shin - Soo Choo struck out and Austin Kearns flew out. Cincy had taken Cleveland's best punch and survived.
Both starting pitchers went six innings, yet only the Reds' Johnny Ceto was any good. Cueto allowed just two runs while Fausto Carmona gave up five, three earned.
Going into the ninth inning, it appeared as if the Indians had no chance to knock off the Reds and even the two teams' interleague series, but by the end of the night, the Tribe had blown a chance to win the game.
Cincinnati took a 6 - 2 lead into that final frame by taking advantage of three Cleveland defensive miscues. In the first, Joey Votto and Jay Bruce each contributed RBI singles, and a Trevor Crowe throwing error aided the Redlegs' cause. Laynce Nix blasted a two - run homer to right field in the fourth, and Cincy looked to have the game in hand. A two - run shot off the bat of Travis Hafner in the sixth made things a little closer, yet the contest still entered the ninth with the visitors up by four.
Francisco Cordero was summoned from the Reds' bullpen, and he promptly gave up singles to Matt LaPorta and Shelley Duncan, putting two on with only one out. The hit was Duncan's first as an Indian. A Russell Branyan walk loaded the bases and Crowe smacked a two - run single to the gap in left - center that brought the Tribe within two and put the tying tallies on base. The next two batters, however, were retired as Shin - Soo Choo struck out and Austin Kearns flew out. Cincy had taken Cleveland's best punch and survived.
Both starting pitchers went six innings, yet only the Reds' Johnny Ceto was any good. Cueto allowed just two runs while Fausto Carmona gave up five, three earned.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Ohio Cup Begins With Reds Win
5 - 21 - 10 Cincinnati Reds 7 at Cleveland Indians 4 Cleveland (15 - 25), Cincinnati (24 - 18)
The 2010 Ohio Lottery Ohio Cup began at Progressive Field and the two major league teams from the Buckeye state played a back - and - forth affair that was finally salvaged by the surprise team of the National League.
Shin - Soo Choo started what would be a great night for him by launching a solo home run to right field in the first inning, and the Indians had their only lead of the ballgame.
Laynce Nix quickly tied up the game in the third on his solo shot, also hit to right, and the the Reds were just getting their long ball swings going. In the fourth, Cincy scored three times, with two of the tallies coming on a two - out, two - run bomb off the bat of Johnny Gomes that went over halfway up the bleachers in left.
The Tribe refused to go down without out a fight, though, as in the fifth, they tied the contest back up. Trevor Crowe doubled in a run and Choo blasted another home run, this a two - run shot with two men out.
Jake Westbrook was pulled going into the sixth, and Aaron Laffey was summoned in hopes that he would keep the game tied. However, the Redlegs regained the lead off of Laffey by scoring twice on an Orlando Cabrera RBI single and a RBI doulble by Nix. Cincinnati added a run in the ninth when Brandon Phillips went deep, and the Reds coasted to the win.
The 2010 Ohio Lottery Ohio Cup began at Progressive Field and the two major league teams from the Buckeye state played a back - and - forth affair that was finally salvaged by the surprise team of the National League.
Shin - Soo Choo started what would be a great night for him by launching a solo home run to right field in the first inning, and the Indians had their only lead of the ballgame.
Laynce Nix quickly tied up the game in the third on his solo shot, also hit to right, and the the Reds were just getting their long ball swings going. In the fourth, Cincy scored three times, with two of the tallies coming on a two - out, two - run bomb off the bat of Johnny Gomes that went over halfway up the bleachers in left.
The Tribe refused to go down without out a fight, though, as in the fifth, they tied the contest back up. Trevor Crowe doubled in a run and Choo blasted another home run, this a two - run shot with two men out.
Jake Westbrook was pulled going into the sixth, and Aaron Laffey was summoned in hopes that he would keep the game tied. However, the Redlegs regained the lead off of Laffey by scoring twice on an Orlando Cabrera RBI single and a RBI doulble by Nix. Cincinnati added a run in the ninth when Brandon Phillips went deep, and the Reds coasted to the win.
Cleveland Indians: Talbot is Roughed Up by Kansas City
5 - 20 - 10 vs. Kansas City L, 9 - 3 15 - 24
As much as the Indians need Mitch Talbot to be good every time out, that expectation is extremely unfair for the rookie pitcher. And, Talbot did indeed struggle as the Royals finished up a short series sweep of the Tribe.
Cleveland did give Talbot the lead in the first inning on Travis Hafner's RBI single, but after that it was all the visitors.
K.C. was up 3 - 1 in the third with one out and runners on the corners when Alberto Callaspo delivered the game's biggest hit. He launched a fastball deep into the Indians' bullpen down the right field line and the game, for all intents and purposes, was over.
Jhonny Peralta did pull the Tribe within three by lofting a two - run homer over the left field wall in the sixth, but the Royals were able to add a crooked three - spot in the seventh to put the contest away for good.
Talbot was the losing pitcher and Luke Hochevar's complete game netted him the victory.
As much as the Indians need Mitch Talbot to be good every time out, that expectation is extremely unfair for the rookie pitcher. And, Talbot did indeed struggle as the Royals finished up a short series sweep of the Tribe.
Cleveland did give Talbot the lead in the first inning on Travis Hafner's RBI single, but after that it was all the visitors.
K.C. was up 3 - 1 in the third with one out and runners on the corners when Alberto Callaspo delivered the game's biggest hit. He launched a fastball deep into the Indians' bullpen down the right field line and the game, for all intents and purposes, was over.
Jhonny Peralta did pull the Tribe within three by lofting a two - run homer over the left field wall in the sixth, but the Royals were able to add a crooked three - spot in the seventh to put the contest away for good.
Talbot was the losing pitcher and Luke Hochevar's complete game netted him the victory.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Wood Implodes in 9th as Tribe Loses to Royals
5 - 19 - 10 vs. Kansas City L, 8 - 4 15 - 23
A day devoid of good news for the Cleveland Indians ended with an event, that while altogether pathetic, was almost laughable. After hearing that star center fielder Grady Sizemore would miss at least two weeks on the disabled list, the Tribe went out and blew a lead in the ninth inning thanks to a horrible outing by closer Kerry Wood. And then, as Wood was walking back toward his dugout, he chucked his glove deep into the bleachers along the third base line, prompting the small crowd to boo even more than they already had been.
Through the first six frames, the two teams traded runs and the score was knotted at three going into the bottom of the seventh. That's when Shin - Soo Choo and Travis Hafner combined to manufacture the go - ahead run. First, Choo was hit by a pitch before going on to steal second which put him in scoring position. Hafner was able to find the hole between short and third, putting the Indians on top for the first time since the second inning.
However, Wood failed to make that run stand up in the ninth. He wound up allowing five runs and only retired one batter. Billy Butler's double tied the game, Mitch Maier's bases loaded walk put the Royals on top, and Yuniesky Betancourt's three - run double blew the contest wide open. Wood's discarding of his glove followed and the Tribe lost their third straight game.
A day devoid of good news for the Cleveland Indians ended with an event, that while altogether pathetic, was almost laughable. After hearing that star center fielder Grady Sizemore would miss at least two weeks on the disabled list, the Tribe went out and blew a lead in the ninth inning thanks to a horrible outing by closer Kerry Wood. And then, as Wood was walking back toward his dugout, he chucked his glove deep into the bleachers along the third base line, prompting the small crowd to boo even more than they already had been.
Through the first six frames, the two teams traded runs and the score was knotted at three going into the bottom of the seventh. That's when Shin - Soo Choo and Travis Hafner combined to manufacture the go - ahead run. First, Choo was hit by a pitch before going on to steal second which put him in scoring position. Hafner was able to find the hole between short and third, putting the Indians on top for the first time since the second inning.
However, Wood failed to make that run stand up in the ninth. He wound up allowing five runs and only retired one batter. Billy Butler's double tied the game, Mitch Maier's bases loaded walk put the Royals on top, and Yuniesky Betancourt's three - run double blew the contest wide open. Wood's discarding of his glove followed and the Tribe lost their third straight game.
Cleveland Indians: Rays Dispose of Indians to Complete Short Series Sweep
5 - 18 - 10 at Tampa Bay L, 6 - 2 15 - 22
Once you see the Tampa Bay Rays up close, you realize just how good they really are. Their pitching is the best in baseball and their offense can explode at any time. Although the Indians didn't play all that poorly in St. Petersburg, they were still swept by a team that was simply better than they were.
This was an important start for David Huff because he has struggled mightily recently, and in this outing he pitched better, but still took the loss. Evan Longoria's RBI double in the third inning put Huff in some hot water early and a four - run sixth, highlighted by a Longoria two - run triple, finished the Tribe's left - hander.
Cleveland's only runs came on a Shin - Soo Choo RBI groundout in the fifth and a Travis Hafner run - scoring double in the eighth.
One bright spot for the Indians was that Jason Donald, filling in for Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop, had a pair of singles in his major league debut.
Once you see the Tampa Bay Rays up close, you realize just how good they really are. Their pitching is the best in baseball and their offense can explode at any time. Although the Indians didn't play all that poorly in St. Petersburg, they were still swept by a team that was simply better than they were.
This was an important start for David Huff because he has struggled mightily recently, and in this outing he pitched better, but still took the loss. Evan Longoria's RBI double in the third inning put Huff in some hot water early and a four - run sixth, highlighted by a Longoria two - run triple, finished the Tribe's left - hander.
Cleveland's only runs came on a Shin - Soo Choo RBI groundout in the fifth and a Travis Hafner run - scoring double in the eighth.
One bright spot for the Indians was that Jason Donald, filling in for Asdrubal Cabrera at shortstop, had a pair of singles in his major league debut.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Loses Cabrera and Game in Tampa
5 - 17 - 10 at Tampa Bay L, 4 - 3 (11 innings) 15 - 21
As if it wasn't bad enough that the Indians lost Asdrubal Cabrera on a fluke injury, the Rays then beat the Tribe on a walk - off bunt in the bottom of the eleventh inning.
Cabrera was hurt in the first innings on one of the oddest plays you will ever see. Cleveland had the infield shifted to the right for Hank Blalock with Jhonny Peralta playing just to the left of second base and Cabrera on the opposite side of the bag. Blalock bounced a ball back up the middle, and Cabrera and Peralta both dove for it. However, Peralta's knee hit Cabrera's elbow, causing his entire arm to bend awkardly. Blalock got credit for a base hit as the ball stayed in Asdrubal's glove as he thrashed around in pain on the ground. He had to leave the game with what was diagnosed as a broken left forearm and he will miss at least two months.
Tampa Bay also scored a pair of runs in that opening frame on a Carl Crawford RBI triple and an Evan Longoria RBI single.
After that, Indians' starter Fausto Carmona was brilliant, and the Tribe retook the lead. First, they got on the board in the second when Peralta atoned for his accidental injuring of Cabrera by lining a single to left that scored Austin Kearns, who had earlier doubled. They then tied it thanks to a Luis Valbuena opposite field run - scoring single in the fourth. Trevor Crowe finally put Cleveland on top in the sixth with a two - out RBI single to center that plated Peralta.
Unfortunately, Carmona could only last six and two - third innings, and the bullpen coughed up the lead late. Aaron Laffey surrendered a lead - off double in the eighth, and with two down, Chris Perez allowed a RBI single off the bat of Blalock that was nearly snared by a diving Crowe in center.
The game remained deadlocked until the eleventh, and that's when Tampa Bay finally brought the marathon to a conclusion. John Jaso and Gabe Kapler both hit one - out singles, putting runners on the corners. The Rays put on the safety squeeze play and Jason Bartlett executed it perfectly by dropping a bunt down the first base line. The Tribe's pitcher, Jamey Wright, had only one play, and that was to make a perfect glove flip to the plate. His toss sailed high and the home team sent their fans home happy.
As if it wasn't bad enough that the Indians lost Asdrubal Cabrera on a fluke injury, the Rays then beat the Tribe on a walk - off bunt in the bottom of the eleventh inning.
Cabrera was hurt in the first innings on one of the oddest plays you will ever see. Cleveland had the infield shifted to the right for Hank Blalock with Jhonny Peralta playing just to the left of second base and Cabrera on the opposite side of the bag. Blalock bounced a ball back up the middle, and Cabrera and Peralta both dove for it. However, Peralta's knee hit Cabrera's elbow, causing his entire arm to bend awkardly. Blalock got credit for a base hit as the ball stayed in Asdrubal's glove as he thrashed around in pain on the ground. He had to leave the game with what was diagnosed as a broken left forearm and he will miss at least two months.
Tampa Bay also scored a pair of runs in that opening frame on a Carl Crawford RBI triple and an Evan Longoria RBI single.
After that, Indians' starter Fausto Carmona was brilliant, and the Tribe retook the lead. First, they got on the board in the second when Peralta atoned for his accidental injuring of Cabrera by lining a single to left that scored Austin Kearns, who had earlier doubled. They then tied it thanks to a Luis Valbuena opposite field run - scoring single in the fourth. Trevor Crowe finally put Cleveland on top in the sixth with a two - out RBI single to center that plated Peralta.
Unfortunately, Carmona could only last six and two - third innings, and the bullpen coughed up the lead late. Aaron Laffey surrendered a lead - off double in the eighth, and with two down, Chris Perez allowed a RBI single off the bat of Blalock that was nearly snared by a diving Crowe in center.
The game remained deadlocked until the eleventh, and that's when Tampa Bay finally brought the marathon to a conclusion. John Jaso and Gabe Kapler both hit one - out singles, putting runners on the corners. The Rays put on the safety squeeze play and Jason Bartlett executed it perfectly by dropping a bunt down the first base line. The Tribe's pitcher, Jamey Wright, had only one play, and that was to make a perfect glove flip to the plate. His toss sailed high and the home team sent their fans home happy.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Westbrook Dominates as Tribe Takes Series
5 - 16 - 10 at Baltimore W, 5 - 1 15 - 20
In his last start, Jake Westbrook picked up his first win in over two years, and in the series finale at Camden Yards, he added a complete game to his comeback story.
Grady Sizemore saved Westbrook a couple of runs in the first inning by making a sensational diving catch in deep right - center field, and Jake never looked back after that. He wound up going the distance, striking out eight, and the only run he gave up was on a Luke Scott solo homer with two down in the ninth that kept the Indians' ace from the shutout.
Cleveland's offense started out slow, but picked up speed as the contest progressed. Sizmore got a huge two - out RBI single in the third that would not have driven in a run if Lou Marson would not have run through a stop sign from third base coach Steve Smith. Matt LaPorta contributed a two - run homer to center in the fifth, and Russell Branyan removed all doubt with his dinger in the ninth that also plated a pair.
Even though Westbrook pitched remarkably well, he did not have a whole lot of competition as Baltimore was forced to send former NBA player, Mark Hendrickson, to the mound in an emergency start.
One sour note for the Indians was that Sizemore bruised his knee sliding into second base in the third inning, and he is expected to miss a couple of games.
In his last start, Jake Westbrook picked up his first win in over two years, and in the series finale at Camden Yards, he added a complete game to his comeback story.
Grady Sizemore saved Westbrook a couple of runs in the first inning by making a sensational diving catch in deep right - center field, and Jake never looked back after that. He wound up going the distance, striking out eight, and the only run he gave up was on a Luke Scott solo homer with two down in the ninth that kept the Indians' ace from the shutout.
Cleveland's offense started out slow, but picked up speed as the contest progressed. Sizmore got a huge two - out RBI single in the third that would not have driven in a run if Lou Marson would not have run through a stop sign from third base coach Steve Smith. Matt LaPorta contributed a two - run homer to center in the fifth, and Russell Branyan removed all doubt with his dinger in the ninth that also plated a pair.
Even though Westbrook pitched remarkably well, he did not have a whole lot of competition as Baltimore was forced to send former NBA player, Mark Hendrickson, to the mound in an emergency start.
One sour note for the Indians was that Sizemore bruised his knee sliding into second base in the third inning, and he is expected to miss a couple of games.
Cleveland Indians: Incredible 9th Inning Rally Gives Tribe Improbable Win
5 - 15 - 10 at Baltimore W, 8 - 2 14 - 20
When Mitch Talbot left his start against the Orioles after eight innings and having only allowed two runs, he assumed he would be the tough - luck losing pitcher that happened to be on the wrong end of a great pitcher's duel. However, by the end of the night, Talbot was the winning pitcher in a lopsided game thanks to an eight - run ninth inning by the Indians' offense.
The O's took that slim lead to the game's final frame on the strength of two Luke Scott solo home runs to left field.
Trevor Crowe led off the ninth by popping out, and it appeared as if Cleveland was headed to another frustrating loss, but then the hits started coming, and they kept coming. Asdrubal Cabrera singled to right and Mark Grudzielanek drew a key walk. All of the sudden, the Tribe had the tying runs on base, and there was still only the one out. Shin - Soo Choo followed with a liner to right that scored Cabrera and moved Grudzielanek up ninety feet. That set up the biggest blow of the inning, a three - run blast off the bat of Austin Kearns that gave the Indians the lead for good. Unbelievably, the rally was barely half over. After Travis Hafner walked and Jhonny Peralta stroked a single, Mike Redmond found the gap in right - center for a two - out, two - run double that busted the contest wide open. Crowe, making his 2010 debut, made it a laugher by launching a two - run bomb to right to cap off the frame.
Tony Sipp got the game's final three outs, and the Tribe had an incredible victory.
When Mitch Talbot left his start against the Orioles after eight innings and having only allowed two runs, he assumed he would be the tough - luck losing pitcher that happened to be on the wrong end of a great pitcher's duel. However, by the end of the night, Talbot was the winning pitcher in a lopsided game thanks to an eight - run ninth inning by the Indians' offense.
The O's took that slim lead to the game's final frame on the strength of two Luke Scott solo home runs to left field.
Trevor Crowe led off the ninth by popping out, and it appeared as if Cleveland was headed to another frustrating loss, but then the hits started coming, and they kept coming. Asdrubal Cabrera singled to right and Mark Grudzielanek drew a key walk. All of the sudden, the Tribe had the tying runs on base, and there was still only the one out. Shin - Soo Choo followed with a liner to right that scored Cabrera and moved Grudzielanek up ninety feet. That set up the biggest blow of the inning, a three - run blast off the bat of Austin Kearns that gave the Indians the lead for good. Unbelievably, the rally was barely half over. After Travis Hafner walked and Jhonny Peralta stroked a single, Mike Redmond found the gap in right - center for a two - out, two - run double that busted the contest wide open. Crowe, making his 2010 debut, made it a laugher by launching a two - run bomb to right to cap off the frame.
Tony Sipp got the game's final three outs, and the Tribe had an incredible victory.
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Plays Worst Game Against MLB's Worst Team
5 - 14 - 10 at Baltimore L, 8 - 1 13 - 20
Looking back on it now, it would have been better if the game between the Indians and the Orioles had never started following a one hour and seven minute rain delay, because once it did, things got ugly. In the end, Cleveland suffered their worst defeat of the season, an ugly loss to the worst team in baseball.
Jhonny Peralta's RBI single gave the Indians the lead in the first inning, but that of course, was short - lived.
The Birds began their dominance with a two - run second and that was followed by a four - run sixth. The O's then finished the game off by scoring single tallies in the eighth and ninth. Miguel Tejada's three RBIs along with Luke Scott's two, paved the way for the home team's easy win. The Tribe defense did not help matters as they committed two costly errors, one by Russell Branyan and one by Grady Sizmore.
Former Cleveland Indian, Jeremy Guthrie, dominated the Tribe by going eight innings while only allowing the one run on just two hits. Justin Masterson took his fourth loss of the year.
Looking back on it now, it would have been better if the game between the Indians and the Orioles had never started following a one hour and seven minute rain delay, because once it did, things got ugly. In the end, Cleveland suffered their worst defeat of the season, an ugly loss to the worst team in baseball.
Jhonny Peralta's RBI single gave the Indians the lead in the first inning, but that of course, was short - lived.
The Birds began their dominance with a two - run second and that was followed by a four - run sixth. The O's then finished the game off by scoring single tallies in the eighth and ninth. Miguel Tejada's three RBIs along with Luke Scott's two, paved the way for the home team's easy win. The Tribe defense did not help matters as they committed two costly errors, one by Russell Branyan and one by Grady Sizmore.
Former Cleveland Indian, Jeremy Guthrie, dominated the Tribe by going eight innings while only allowing the one run on just two hits. Justin Masterson took his fourth loss of the year.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Blows Three - Run Lead and Chance at Sweep
5 - 13 - 10 at Kansas City L, 6 - 4 13 - 19
When a team has a three - run advantage against Zack Greinke, like the Indians did in their series finale at Kauffman stadium, they can't afford to lose the game. That, however, is exactly what the Tribe did as they let the reigning A.L. Cy Young Award winner off the hook. The win, surprisingly, was the first of the season for Greinke.
Cleveland grabbed that three - run lead in the third inning. Asdrubal Cabrera led off with a single, and then with two outs, four straight Indians reached base. First, Travis Hafner singled, then Austin Kearns hit a bloop RBI single to right - center field, next, Jhonny Peralta grounded a run - scoring base - hit back up the middle, and, finally, Matt LaPorta smoked RBI double off the wall in left.
Albert Callaspo's three - run homer down the line in left in the fourth off of eventual losing pitcher, David Huff, was the spark the Royals needed to jump - start their slumping offense. K.C. would go on to add two more tallies in the fifth, and one more in the sixth to blow the contest wide open.
A Cabrera RBI single in the eighth made things a little interesting, but Greinke and the bullpen held on to preserve the victory.
The loss snapped a three - game winning streak for the Indians, and Kansas City's win was their first after seven consecutive defeats.
When a team has a three - run advantage against Zack Greinke, like the Indians did in their series finale at Kauffman stadium, they can't afford to lose the game. That, however, is exactly what the Tribe did as they let the reigning A.L. Cy Young Award winner off the hook. The win, surprisingly, was the first of the season for Greinke.
Cleveland grabbed that three - run lead in the third inning. Asdrubal Cabrera led off with a single, and then with two outs, four straight Indians reached base. First, Travis Hafner singled, then Austin Kearns hit a bloop RBI single to right - center field, next, Jhonny Peralta grounded a run - scoring base - hit back up the middle, and, finally, Matt LaPorta smoked RBI double off the wall in left.
Albert Callaspo's three - run homer down the line in left in the fourth off of eventual losing pitcher, David Huff, was the spark the Royals needed to jump - start their slumping offense. K.C. would go on to add two more tallies in the fifth, and one more in the sixth to blow the contest wide open.
A Cabrera RBI single in the eighth made things a little interesting, but Greinke and the bullpen held on to preserve the victory.
The loss snapped a three - game winning streak for the Indians, and Kansas City's win was their first after seven consecutive defeats.
Cleveland Indians: Rain Can't Keep Tribe From Third Straight W
5 - 12 - 10 at Kansas City W, 4 - 0 13 - 18
Two rain delays could not prevent the Indians from knocking off the Royals to clinch their first series victory in over three weeks.
The first of those delays came just after the third inning, and at that time, there was no score. That, however, would not be the case when the rains came again, thanks to Asdrubal Cabrera. In the top of the fifth, Jhonny Peralta and Mark Grudzielanek led off the frame with singles, and then they were both moved up 90 feet on Mike Redmond's sacrifice bunt. Cabrera then delivered with a two - run single right back up the middle. The second delay arrived after the fifth, and for a while, it appeared as if the game might end right there, since the required five innings had been played. After an hour, though, the contest resumed.
In the top of the sixth, Russell Branyan powered out a two - run bomb, his third homer in two games, and Cleveland was well on their way to a victory.
Fausto Carmona managed to work five shutout innings, although he would have been able to work a lot longer had it not been for the poor weather. Regardless, Fausto earned his fourth win of the season, and the bullpen pitched four scoreless frames in relief.
Two rain delays could not prevent the Indians from knocking off the Royals to clinch their first series victory in over three weeks.
The first of those delays came just after the third inning, and at that time, there was no score. That, however, would not be the case when the rains came again, thanks to Asdrubal Cabrera. In the top of the fifth, Jhonny Peralta and Mark Grudzielanek led off the frame with singles, and then they were both moved up 90 feet on Mike Redmond's sacrifice bunt. Cabrera then delivered with a two - run single right back up the middle. The second delay arrived after the fifth, and for a while, it appeared as if the game might end right there, since the required five innings had been played. After an hour, though, the contest resumed.
In the top of the sixth, Russell Branyan powered out a two - run bomb, his third homer in two games, and Cleveland was well on their way to a victory.
Fausto Carmona managed to work five shutout innings, although he would have been able to work a lot longer had it not been for the poor weather. Regardless, Fausto earned his fourth win of the season, and the bullpen pitched four scoreless frames in relief.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Road Trip Begins With Dominant Victory
5 - 11 - 10 at Kansas City W, 8 - 2 12 - 18
The road trip the Indians began in Kansas City is vitally important not only due to the slow start by the Tribe, but also because six of the eight games away from home are against teams that are well below the .500 mark. One of those teams is the Royals, and in the series opener, Cleveland dominated from the get - go to pick up a huge victory.
Jake Westbrook went six innings, while only allowing one run, to pick up his first win in over two years at the major league level. That combined with an offensive eruption for the second game in a row made it a satisfying win.
Russell Branyan hit his first homer of the season, a two - run shot in the second inning to give the Indians the lead for good, but the Tribe's scoring was far from over.
Two frames later, Jhonny Peralta stroked a two - run double to the gap in left - center field and Cleveland had all the runs they would need.
In the seventh, the Indians blew the game wide open with excellent situational hitting. Grady Sizemore and Shin - Soo Choo set the table with a one - out walk and single, respectively. After a double steal, Travis Hafner drove in a run with a groundout, bringing up Austin Kearns. Kearns delivered the big blow by singling to left, scoring Choo, and before the inning was over, Mark Grudzielanek had drawn a bases loaded walk.
Branyan added one more highlight in the ninth as he hit a solo home run over the right field fence, setting the final score at 8 - 2.
The win was the Tribe's second in a row, their first such streak in over three weeks.
The road trip the Indians began in Kansas City is vitally important not only due to the slow start by the Tribe, but also because six of the eight games away from home are against teams that are well below the .500 mark. One of those teams is the Royals, and in the series opener, Cleveland dominated from the get - go to pick up a huge victory.
Jake Westbrook went six innings, while only allowing one run, to pick up his first win in over two years at the major league level. That combined with an offensive eruption for the second game in a row made it a satisfying win.
Russell Branyan hit his first homer of the season, a two - run shot in the second inning to give the Indians the lead for good, but the Tribe's scoring was far from over.
Two frames later, Jhonny Peralta stroked a two - run double to the gap in left - center field and Cleveland had all the runs they would need.
In the seventh, the Indians blew the game wide open with excellent situational hitting. Grady Sizemore and Shin - Soo Choo set the table with a one - out walk and single, respectively. After a double steal, Travis Hafner drove in a run with a groundout, bringing up Austin Kearns. Kearns delivered the big blow by singling to left, scoring Choo, and before the inning was over, Mark Grudzielanek had drawn a bases loaded walk.
Branyan added one more highlight in the ninth as he hit a solo home run over the right field fence, setting the final score at 8 - 2.
The win was the Tribe's second in a row, their first such streak in over three weeks.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Big Offensive Day Ends Losing Streak vs. Tigers
5 - 9 - 10 vs. Detroit W, 7 - 4 11 - 18
The Indians had lost ten straight to their division rivals, the Detroit Tigers, prior to their series finale in Cleveland. Thanks to an offensive resurgence, though, the Tribe snapped their drought and also broke a five game losing stretch.
A Magglio Ordonez RBI double in the first inning got Detroit out to an early lead, but the Indians came right back in the last of the second. Russell Branyan walked, Mark Grudzielanek singled, and Andy Marte stroked a two - run double high off the left field wall. Two infield singles from Lou Marson and Shin - Soo Choo, both plating runners, gave the Tribe a four - run inning and a comfortable lead.
The Tigers, however, came roaring back to tie the game at four heading to the bottom of the fifth. That's when Grudzielanek hit a huge RBI single to give Cleveland the advantage for good.
Grudzielanek had another run - scoring single in the seventh as the Indians pulled away late and withstood a Detroit rally in the ninth to earn their first victory in a week's time.
Mitch Talbot picked up another win, his fourth of the year, and Chris Perez worked out of the aforementioned ninth inning jam to earn the save.
The Indians had lost ten straight to their division rivals, the Detroit Tigers, prior to their series finale in Cleveland. Thanks to an offensive resurgence, though, the Tribe snapped their drought and also broke a five game losing stretch.
A Magglio Ordonez RBI double in the first inning got Detroit out to an early lead, but the Indians came right back in the last of the second. Russell Branyan walked, Mark Grudzielanek singled, and Andy Marte stroked a two - run double high off the left field wall. Two infield singles from Lou Marson and Shin - Soo Choo, both plating runners, gave the Tribe a four - run inning and a comfortable lead.
The Tigers, however, came roaring back to tie the game at four heading to the bottom of the fifth. That's when Grudzielanek hit a huge RBI single to give Cleveland the advantage for good.
Grudzielanek had another run - scoring single in the seventh as the Indians pulled away late and withstood a Detroit rally in the ninth to earn their first victory in a week's time.
Mitch Talbot picked up another win, his fourth of the year, and Chris Perez worked out of the aforementioned ninth inning jam to earn the save.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Wood Struggles in Return and Tribe Loses 5th Straight
5 - 8 - 10 vs. Detroit L, 6 - 4 10 - 18
Kerry Wood was signed to a big contract prior to the 2009 season and he failed to live up to expectations. This year he started the year on the disabled list, raising more questions about his ability to produce for the Indians. He finally made his 2010 debut on a windy afternoon against the Tigers and it wasn't pretty. In only two - thirds of an inning, he allowed two key runs, and wound up suffering the loss.
Prior to Wood's meltdown, the Tribe had made an immpressive comeback following a Scott Sizmeore three - run double in the fourth off of Justin Masterson. Travis Hafner started the rally in the bottom of the fourth by bouncing a RBI single through the left side of the infield. Two innings later, Austin Kearns tied it on a two - run single that was set up by some shaky defense behind Detroit ace, Justin Verlander.
However, Verlander would still get the win because of Wood's poor seventh. A double and two walks loaded the bases for Miguel Cabrera, and the Tigers' slugger stroked an opposit field two - run single, giving the visitors the lead for good.
A Kearns sac fly in the eighth made things interesting, but Cleveland still wound up on the short end of the final score.
Kerry Wood was signed to a big contract prior to the 2009 season and he failed to live up to expectations. This year he started the year on the disabled list, raising more questions about his ability to produce for the Indians. He finally made his 2010 debut on a windy afternoon against the Tigers and it wasn't pretty. In only two - thirds of an inning, he allowed two key runs, and wound up suffering the loss.
Prior to Wood's meltdown, the Tribe had made an immpressive comeback following a Scott Sizmeore three - run double in the fourth off of Justin Masterson. Travis Hafner started the rally in the bottom of the fourth by bouncing a RBI single through the left side of the infield. Two innings later, Austin Kearns tied it on a two - run single that was set up by some shaky defense behind Detroit ace, Justin Verlander.
However, Verlander would still get the win because of Wood's poor seventh. A double and two walks loaded the bases for Miguel Cabrera, and the Tigers' slugger stroked an opposit field two - run single, giving the visitors the lead for good.
A Kearns sac fly in the eighth made things interesting, but Cleveland still wound up on the short end of the final score.
Cleveland Indians: Blue Jays Stun Tribe After Being Down to Final Strike
5 - 5 - 10 vs. Toronto L, 5 - 4 10 - 17
Chris Perez and the Indians were one strike away from defeating the Toronto Blue Jays and avoiding a sweep when a funny thing happened - the Tribe couldn't record an out. Fred Lewis started the rally with a two - strike double down the left field line. That's when things really started to go down hill as the next batter, Aaron Hill, hit a ground - ball through the legs of Luis Valbuena, scoring Lewis and putting the tying run on base. That error enabled Adam Lind, one of the Jays' best power hitters, to come the plate. Perez left a fastball up in the zone, and Lind blasted a go - ahead homer over the wall in left. Just like that Toronto had regained the lead. Cleveland failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, and the Indians had suffered a heartbreaker.
Early on, everything went the Tribe's way as Grady Sizemore hit a game - tying RBI double in the second, and Travis Hafner launched a solo home run to right center in the third. With that, the Indians had the lead, and even though the Jays came back to tie it in the fifth, Mike Redmond's run - scoring single an inning later restored Cleveland's slim advantage.
Valbuena delivered an insurance run in the eighth on a RBI double into the left field corner, giving the Tribe what appeared to be a comfortable lead. But then came the ninth, and the Indians losing streak was extended to four.
Due to the collapse in the game's final frame, Fausto Carmona's solid outing was wasted.
Chris Perez and the Indians were one strike away from defeating the Toronto Blue Jays and avoiding a sweep when a funny thing happened - the Tribe couldn't record an out. Fred Lewis started the rally with a two - strike double down the left field line. That's when things really started to go down hill as the next batter, Aaron Hill, hit a ground - ball through the legs of Luis Valbuena, scoring Lewis and putting the tying run on base. That error enabled Adam Lind, one of the Jays' best power hitters, to come the plate. Perez left a fastball up in the zone, and Lind blasted a go - ahead homer over the wall in left. Just like that Toronto had regained the lead. Cleveland failed to score in the bottom of the ninth, and the Indians had suffered a heartbreaker.
Early on, everything went the Tribe's way as Grady Sizemore hit a game - tying RBI double in the second, and Travis Hafner launched a solo home run to right center in the third. With that, the Indians had the lead, and even though the Jays came back to tie it in the fifth, Mike Redmond's run - scoring single an inning later restored Cleveland's slim advantage.
Valbuena delivered an insurance run in the eighth on a RBI double into the left field corner, giving the Tribe what appeared to be a comfortable lead. But then came the ninth, and the Indians losing streak was extended to four.
Due to the collapse in the game's final frame, Fausto Carmona's solid outing was wasted.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Pitching Fails to Support Hitting in Loss to Jays
5 - 4 - 10 vs. Toronto L, 8 - 5 10 - 16
So far this season the pitching, for the most part, has carried this ball club, and has kept it from being even worse than it actually is. However, against the Blue Jays, the Indians' bats finally came alive, but the arms were what cost the Tribe the game.
After Toronto got a run in the first inning, Cleveland came storming back in the third. With two outs, Mark Grudzielanek and Grady Sizemore both singled, and Shin - Soo Choo followed with a two - run single. Then, following an Austin Kearns walk, Jhonny Peralta laced a two - run double down the right field line, putting the Tribe up by three.
Unfortunately, Jake Westbrook's problems continued as he allowed the Jays to tie it on a Jose Bautista two - run shot and a bases loaded walk in the fourth. Jake could not even make it out of that frame which forced the Indians' bullpen to work longer than usual.
Grudzielanek's RBI single in the last of the fourth gave Cleveland the lead back before Toronto grabbed the momentum for good.
With at least one run in every inning from the fifth through the seventh, the Blue Jays not only took the lead, but they were also able to bust the game wide open. The key hits were RBI doubles from Travis Snider, Alex Gonzalez, and Fred Lewis.
From there Ricky Romero (the winning pitcher) and Kevin Gregg, who earned the save, took care of the Tribe.
So far this season the pitching, for the most part, has carried this ball club, and has kept it from being even worse than it actually is. However, against the Blue Jays, the Indians' bats finally came alive, but the arms were what cost the Tribe the game.
After Toronto got a run in the first inning, Cleveland came storming back in the third. With two outs, Mark Grudzielanek and Grady Sizemore both singled, and Shin - Soo Choo followed with a two - run single. Then, following an Austin Kearns walk, Jhonny Peralta laced a two - run double down the right field line, putting the Tribe up by three.
Unfortunately, Jake Westbrook's problems continued as he allowed the Jays to tie it on a Jose Bautista two - run shot and a bases loaded walk in the fourth. Jake could not even make it out of that frame which forced the Indians' bullpen to work longer than usual.
Grudzielanek's RBI single in the last of the fourth gave Cleveland the lead back before Toronto grabbed the momentum for good.
With at least one run in every inning from the fifth through the seventh, the Blue Jays not only took the lead, but they were also able to bust the game wide open. The key hits were RBI doubles from Travis Snider, Alex Gonzalez, and Fred Lewis.
From there Ricky Romero (the winning pitcher) and Kevin Gregg, who earned the save, took care of the Tribe.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Breaks Up Cecil's Pefecto, But Can't Salvage Win
5 - 3 - 10 vs. Toronto L, 5 - 1 10 - 15
The Indians terrible 2010 season nearly got even worse Monday night when Brett Cecil took a perfect game into the seventh inning at Progressive Field. It appeared he had a legitimate shot because the Tribe was not even hitting the ball hard off the Blue Jays' pitcher. However, in that seventh frame, a walk to Grady Sizemore broke up the perfecto and with a RBI single from Jhonny Peralta, the no - hitter and the shutout were both gone too. Regardless, the Jays still beat Cleveland fairly easily.
Mitch Talbot continued to impress with a gutsy start that saw him give up five runs, but still manage to last eight innings. Homers off the bats of Jose Bautista, Travis Snyder, and John Buck proved to be the big blows that Talbot could not quite recover from as he lost for just the second time this season.
Cecil was the big story of the night, and even after he lost his chance for baseball immortality, he bounced back to hurl a scoreless eighth and he finished the night with ten strikeouts while getting an impressive win.
The Indians terrible 2010 season nearly got even worse Monday night when Brett Cecil took a perfect game into the seventh inning at Progressive Field. It appeared he had a legitimate shot because the Tribe was not even hitting the ball hard off the Blue Jays' pitcher. However, in that seventh frame, a walk to Grady Sizemore broke up the perfecto and with a RBI single from Jhonny Peralta, the no - hitter and the shutout were both gone too. Regardless, the Jays still beat Cleveland fairly easily.
Mitch Talbot continued to impress with a gutsy start that saw him give up five runs, but still manage to last eight innings. Homers off the bats of Jose Bautista, Travis Snyder, and John Buck proved to be the big blows that Talbot could not quite recover from as he lost for just the second time this season.
Cecil was the big story of the night, and even after he lost his chance for baseball immortality, he bounced back to hurl a scoreless eighth and he finished the night with ten strikeouts while getting an impressive win.
Cleveland Indians: Twins Power Their Way to Series Victory Over Tribe
5 - 2 - 10 vs. Minnesota L, 8 - 3 10 - 14
One of the main problems with the Indians' offense this season has been a lack of power as Shin - Soo Choo leads the club with merely four long balls. And in their series finale against Minnesota, the Twins dominated the Tribe because they simply had more pop in their bats.
That was evident almost immediately as Orlando Hudson swatted a two - run bomb in the first inning to put the visitors up by a pair.
The Tribe rallied to tie in the bottom of the frame, aided by a throwing error and a balk, both made by the starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, but that was about all that Cleveland could muster for the afternoon.
The Twinkies broke open the deadlocked affair in the fifth with back - to - back solo jacks by Jim Thome and Delmon Young to grab the lead for good. Although Austin Kearns lined a RBI double down the right field line in the home half of that same inning, the Indians could not grab the momentum due to the great relay throw to the plate by Hudson that nailed Grady Sizemore who was trying to tie the game.
From there Minnesota padded the lead on their way to another series triumph over the Tribe.
Liriano rebounded to earn the win and David Huff took his fourth loss of the year by allowing the four early tallies.
One of the main problems with the Indians' offense this season has been a lack of power as Shin - Soo Choo leads the club with merely four long balls. And in their series finale against Minnesota, the Twins dominated the Tribe because they simply had more pop in their bats.
That was evident almost immediately as Orlando Hudson swatted a two - run bomb in the first inning to put the visitors up by a pair.
The Tribe rallied to tie in the bottom of the frame, aided by a throwing error and a balk, both made by the starting pitcher Francisco Liriano, but that was about all that Cleveland could muster for the afternoon.
The Twinkies broke open the deadlocked affair in the fifth with back - to - back solo jacks by Jim Thome and Delmon Young to grab the lead for good. Although Austin Kearns lined a RBI double down the right field line in the home half of that same inning, the Indians could not grab the momentum due to the great relay throw to the plate by Hudson that nailed Grady Sizemore who was trying to tie the game.
From there Minnesota padded the lead on their way to another series triumph over the Tribe.
Liriano rebounded to earn the win and David Huff took his fourth loss of the year by allowing the four early tallies.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Walks Off on Cabrera's Single in the 11th
5 - 1 - 10 vs. Minnesota W, 5 - 4 (11 innings) 10 - 13
The Indians win over the Twins on Saturday night was truly a classic baseball game. It had it all from a comeback to high drama to clutch plays, and in the end the Tribe came out on top.
Once again Minnesota jumped on top early as they scored a pair in the first inning, and one more in the second.
A Jhonny Peralta solo homer in the bottom of the second got Cleveland back into the game, and one more runner crossed home plate in the third, bringing the home team back to within one.
Justin Morneau's solo bomb to left in the eighth appeared to put the game away, but all it did was ignite the Indians in the last of the eighth. With two outs the rally began quietly on an Asdrubal Cabrera single that set up Grady Sizemore. Sizemore delivered by doubling up the gap in left - center, plating A - Cab and putting the tying run in scoring position. Shin - Soo Choo then tied the game with a fisted single to center, and just like that, the game was tied.
The contest wound up going into extra innings still tied at four, and that's when things really got tense. In the tenth Grady Sizemore appeared to have won the game when he singled to center, but Lou Marson was gunned down at the plate on a great throw by Denard Spahn, and the Twins survived to see an eleventh frame.
Minnesota wasted a scoring opportunity in the top of that inning as they left the bases loaded thanks to an inning ending double play ball.
Cleveland then loaded the bases on a walk, a Peralta double, and another walk before a single batter had been retired. The Indians then had Mark Grudzielanek pop out and Lou Marson strike out before Cabrera played the role of hero by lining a walk - off single to right - center field.
It was the Tribe's fourth last - at bat - victory and their first walk - off.
The Indians win over the Twins on Saturday night was truly a classic baseball game. It had it all from a comeback to high drama to clutch plays, and in the end the Tribe came out on top.
Once again Minnesota jumped on top early as they scored a pair in the first inning, and one more in the second.
A Jhonny Peralta solo homer in the bottom of the second got Cleveland back into the game, and one more runner crossed home plate in the third, bringing the home team back to within one.
Justin Morneau's solo bomb to left in the eighth appeared to put the game away, but all it did was ignite the Indians in the last of the eighth. With two outs the rally began quietly on an Asdrubal Cabrera single that set up Grady Sizemore. Sizemore delivered by doubling up the gap in left - center, plating A - Cab and putting the tying run in scoring position. Shin - Soo Choo then tied the game with a fisted single to center, and just like that, the game was tied.
The contest wound up going into extra innings still tied at four, and that's when things really got tense. In the tenth Grady Sizemore appeared to have won the game when he singled to center, but Lou Marson was gunned down at the plate on a great throw by Denard Spahn, and the Twins survived to see an eleventh frame.
Minnesota wasted a scoring opportunity in the top of that inning as they left the bases loaded thanks to an inning ending double play ball.
Cleveland then loaded the bases on a walk, a Peralta double, and another walk before a single batter had been retired. The Indians then had Mark Grudzielanek pop out and Lou Marson strike out before Cabrera played the role of hero by lining a walk - off single to right - center field.
It was the Tribe's fourth last - at bat - victory and their first walk - off.
Cleveland Indians: Twins Flex Their Muscles at Progressive Field
4 - 30 - 10 vs. Minnesota L, 9 - 3 9 - 13
The Twins came into Cleveland to start a three game weekend series as one of the best teams in all of baseball, and in the first contest against the Tribe, they did nothing to change that. Not only did they shut down the struggling offense of the Indians, but they also beat up what so far as been a good pitching staff.
Fausto Carmona had been brilliant all season until he faced Minnesota on Friday night. A Justin Morneau two - run bomb in the first inning set the tone for what would be a rough night for Carmona. Although his defense did commit two errors behind him, he still gave up six earned runs in as many frames pitched, and he lost his first game of the 2010 campaign.
After picking up a 6 - 0 lead off of Carmona, the Twins almost blew it as Cleveland surged back to life in the bottom of the sixth. After Mike Redmond got a gift double to right center on a ball that should have been caught, Grady Sizemore, Austin Kearns, and Travis Hafner all had RBI base hits, with Pronk's being a double. All of the sudden, the Tribe had cut the Twins' lead in half.
That, though, would be as far as the Indians got. A Joe Mauer two - run double an inning later combined with another tally in the ninth restored Minnesota's advantage, and they cruised to another victory over the hapless Tribe.
Kevin Slowey was the winning pitcher despite allowing three runs in just five innings.
The Twins came into Cleveland to start a three game weekend series as one of the best teams in all of baseball, and in the first contest against the Tribe, they did nothing to change that. Not only did they shut down the struggling offense of the Indians, but they also beat up what so far as been a good pitching staff.
Fausto Carmona had been brilliant all season until he faced Minnesota on Friday night. A Justin Morneau two - run bomb in the first inning set the tone for what would be a rough night for Carmona. Although his defense did commit two errors behind him, he still gave up six earned runs in as many frames pitched, and he lost his first game of the 2010 campaign.
After picking up a 6 - 0 lead off of Carmona, the Twins almost blew it as Cleveland surged back to life in the bottom of the sixth. After Mike Redmond got a gift double to right center on a ball that should have been caught, Grady Sizemore, Austin Kearns, and Travis Hafner all had RBI base hits, with Pronk's being a double. All of the sudden, the Tribe had cut the Twins' lead in half.
That, though, would be as far as the Indians got. A Joe Mauer two - run double an inning later combined with another tally in the ninth restored Minnesota's advantage, and they cruised to another victory over the hapless Tribe.
Kevin Slowey was the winning pitcher despite allowing three runs in just five innings.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Angels Walk Off, Tribe Finds Another Way to Lose
4 - 28 - 30 at Los Angeles Angels L, 4 - 3 9 - 12
A miserable road trip came to a merciful end for the Indians in Anaheim, but not before Cleveland found one more way to lose. On this stretch away from home, the Tribe has lost because of a lack of offense, poor pitching, and an error - prone defense, and then to cap it off, they lost to the Angels on a walk - off bunt.
The Indians got off to a great start in this game as they used good situational hitting to build up a three - run lead halfway through the sixth. The RBIs went to Jhonny Peralta (sac fly), Grady Sizemore (single), and Travis Hafner (hit by pitch).
However, in the bottom of the sixth, things fell apart for Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook. With two on base, Torri Hunter stroked a three - run bomb that tied the score.
The contest remained that way until the ninth. Hunter led off the frame by doubling down the right field line, although it appeared that Hunter was out at second base. A walk and a double play later put runners on the corners with two outs. Howie Kendrick then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to give the Halos the victory off of Chris Perez.
A miserable road trip came to a merciful end for the Indians in Anaheim, but not before Cleveland found one more way to lose. On this stretch away from home, the Tribe has lost because of a lack of offense, poor pitching, and an error - prone defense, and then to cap it off, they lost to the Angels on a walk - off bunt.
The Indians got off to a great start in this game as they used good situational hitting to build up a three - run lead halfway through the sixth. The RBIs went to Jhonny Peralta (sac fly), Grady Sizemore (single), and Travis Hafner (hit by pitch).
However, in the bottom of the sixth, things fell apart for Cleveland starter Jake Westbrook. With two on base, Torri Hunter stroked a three - run bomb that tied the score.
The contest remained that way until the ninth. Hunter led off the frame by doubling down the right field line, although it appeared that Hunter was out at second base. A walk and a double play later put runners on the corners with two outs. Howie Kendrick then laid down a perfect squeeze bunt to give the Halos the victory off of Chris Perez.
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