6 - 28 - 10 vs. Toronto W, 2 - 1 28 - 47
Coming off a nine game swing through three different National League cities, the Indians decided to use a common play in the senior cicruit, the suicide squeeze, in the 6th inning. The strategy worked, and the Tribe eked out a win over the Blue Jays.
Things did not look good for Jake Westbrook and Cleveland in the 1st. Jose Bautista hit a RBI double, and the Jays had runners on the corners with only one out. However, Toronto did not score any more due to poor clutch hitting from Adam Lind and Aaron Hill, who popped out and flew out, respectively to end the threat.
Carlos Santana battled back from an 0 - 2 count in the bottom of the 1st, and he went on to double up the left - center alley to spark a two - out rally for the Indians. Austin Kearns followed with a RBI single to right, and this game was tied at one.
It remained that way until the Tribe finally got something going in that 6th frame. The first two men up to bat both reached as Travis Hafner was hit and Jhonny Peralta doubled, putting runners at second and third. After Matt LaPorta bounced out to second, Manny Acta decided to put the squeeze play on. And it worked brilliantly thanks to Jayson Nix's perfect bunt between the mound and home plate that scored Hafner with the eventual game - winning run.
The Tribe's pitching in this contest was nothing short of superb. Westbrook went the first six innings for the win before turning things over to the bullpen. From there Joe Smith, Rafael Perez, Chris Perez, and Kerry Wood combined to pitch three scoreless frames to close out the ballgame.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Choo's Homers Back Talbot
6 - 27 - 10 Cleveland Indians 5 at Cincinnati Reds 3 Cleveland (27 - 47), Cincinnati (42 - 34)
It was apparent from the outset of his start that Mitch Talbot was not going to need many runs in order to defeat the Reds on this Sunday afternoon in the Queen City. And Talbot got all the offense he would need from one bat, that of Shin - Soo Choo. The Indians' right fielder belted out two home runs, driving in four in the Tribe's victory that snapped a seven game losing skid.
Choo got his big swing going early as he launched a solo home run to deep right field in the 1st inning, and Cleveland was out to a 1 - 0 lead.
Cincinnati came back to tie the game in the bottom of the 1st when Brandon Phillips showed off his tremendous speed by scoring from second an infield grounder.
Choo did not waste any time in making up for the Indians' defensive blunder as he drilled a three - run shot deep into the right - center bleachers, and the visitors never looked back.
Carlos Santana smacked a solo shot down the left field line in the 8th, and the Tribe was able to overcome Joey Votto's two - run big fly in the bottom of the 8th.
Talbot wound up going seven frames and he only allowed one run. The rookie earned his eighth victory of the season, and he has now become a legitimate contender for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Bronson Arroyo did not pitch poorly, but he could not figure out Choo. Arroyo allowed four runs in five innings as he took the defeat.
Kerry Wood struck out the side in the 9th for his sixth save of the campaign.
It was apparent from the outset of his start that Mitch Talbot was not going to need many runs in order to defeat the Reds on this Sunday afternoon in the Queen City. And Talbot got all the offense he would need from one bat, that of Shin - Soo Choo. The Indians' right fielder belted out two home runs, driving in four in the Tribe's victory that snapped a seven game losing skid.
Choo got his big swing going early as he launched a solo home run to deep right field in the 1st inning, and Cleveland was out to a 1 - 0 lead.
Cincinnati came back to tie the game in the bottom of the 1st when Brandon Phillips showed off his tremendous speed by scoring from second an infield grounder.
Choo did not waste any time in making up for the Indians' defensive blunder as he drilled a three - run shot deep into the right - center bleachers, and the visitors never looked back.
Carlos Santana smacked a solo shot down the left field line in the 8th, and the Tribe was able to overcome Joey Votto's two - run big fly in the bottom of the 8th.
Talbot wound up going seven frames and he only allowed one run. The rookie earned his eighth victory of the season, and he has now become a legitimate contender for the Rookie of the Year Award.
Bronson Arroyo did not pitch poorly, but he could not figure out Choo. Arroyo allowed four runs in five innings as he took the defeat.
Kerry Wood struck out the side in the 9th for his sixth save of the campaign.
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Reds Rally to Take Ohio Cup
6 - 26 - 10 Cleveland Indians 4 at Cincinnati Reds 6 Cleveland (26 - 47), Cincinnati (42 - 33)
The Reds have now won three consecutive Ohio Cups thanks to their come from behind victory in front of a near - sellout crowd at Great American Ballpark.
Those fans did not have much to cheer about early, though, as the Indians took the lead in the 1st inning on Carlos Santana's two - out, two - run double down the right field line. After the Redlegs came back to tie the game, the Tribe got back to work in the 4th.
A Jhonny Peralta single and a Jayson Nix double put runners on second and third with nobody out. Anderson Hernandez capitalized on the situation by blooping a double near the line in left that scored a pair, giving Cleveland a 3 - 1 lead. Unfortunately for the Indians, that would be their high - water mark for the contest.
Cincinnati came roaring back with two runs in the 5th, and three more in the 6th. The key moment was when Laynce Nix, Jayson's brother, lined a RBI single to left that gave the home team the lead for good.
Trailing by three entering the 9th, the Indians pieced together a comeback that resulted in an Austin Kearns run - scoing single, but nothing more as the Tribe still fell a couple tallies short.
Justin Masterson did get the first hit by a Cleveland pitcher this season, but he probably should of focused on his pitching becuase that was not very good. He allowed six runs in five frames, and the loss that he picked up was his seventh.
The Reds have now won three consecutive Ohio Cups thanks to their come from behind victory in front of a near - sellout crowd at Great American Ballpark.
Those fans did not have much to cheer about early, though, as the Indians took the lead in the 1st inning on Carlos Santana's two - out, two - run double down the right field line. After the Redlegs came back to tie the game, the Tribe got back to work in the 4th.
A Jhonny Peralta single and a Jayson Nix double put runners on second and third with nobody out. Anderson Hernandez capitalized on the situation by blooping a double near the line in left that scored a pair, giving Cleveland a 3 - 1 lead. Unfortunately for the Indians, that would be their high - water mark for the contest.
Cincinnati came roaring back with two runs in the 5th, and three more in the 6th. The key moment was when Laynce Nix, Jayson's brother, lined a RBI single to left that gave the home team the lead for good.
Trailing by three entering the 9th, the Indians pieced together a comeback that resulted in an Austin Kearns run - scoing single, but nothing more as the Tribe still fell a couple tallies short.
Justin Masterson did get the first hit by a Cleveland pitcher this season, but he probably should of focused on his pitching becuase that was not very good. He allowed six runs in five frames, and the loss that he picked up was his seventh.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds: Reds Extend Tribe's Losing Streak
6 - 25 - 10 Cleveland Indians 3 at Cincinnati Reds 10 Cleveland (26 - 46), Cincinnati (41 - 33)
The Indians entered round two of the Battle of Ohio having lost five in a row, and their in - state rivals were happy to extend that steak to six.
Drew Stubbs got the Reds rolling early with his two - run homer deep into the right field bleachers in the 2nd inning.
After Cincinnati showed that they could generated offense with the long ball, they went to a different approach in the 3rd. With the use of only two base hits, the Redlegs scored three times as they took advantage of two walks to go along with a pair of sacrifice flies.
Trailing 5 - 0, the Tribe needed an immediate spark and they got it from their youngest player, Carlos Santana. In the 5th, Santana deposited a two - run shot into the right - center bleachers, and Cleveland was back in the ballgame.
The Indians' momentum did not last very long, though, as Cincy came right back with a four - spot in the bottom of the 5th. Scott Rolen started the rally by hitting a solo homer down the line in left, and then four consecutive base hits accounted for the final three runs.
A Jhonny Peralta solo shot to right in the 6th finished the Tribe's scoring for the night, but the deficit they were facing was still insurmountable.
Aaron Harang had arguably his best start of the season as he went seven innings of three - run ball for the win. Aaron Laffey made his first start of the year for Cleveland, and it was not a good one. Laffey was roughed up for five tallies in four frames.
The Indians entered round two of the Battle of Ohio having lost five in a row, and their in - state rivals were happy to extend that steak to six.
Drew Stubbs got the Reds rolling early with his two - run homer deep into the right field bleachers in the 2nd inning.
After Cincinnati showed that they could generated offense with the long ball, they went to a different approach in the 3rd. With the use of only two base hits, the Redlegs scored three times as they took advantage of two walks to go along with a pair of sacrifice flies.
Trailing 5 - 0, the Tribe needed an immediate spark and they got it from their youngest player, Carlos Santana. In the 5th, Santana deposited a two - run shot into the right - center bleachers, and Cleveland was back in the ballgame.
The Indians' momentum did not last very long, though, as Cincy came right back with a four - spot in the bottom of the 5th. Scott Rolen started the rally by hitting a solo homer down the line in left, and then four consecutive base hits accounted for the final three runs.
A Jhonny Peralta solo shot to right in the 6th finished the Tribe's scoring for the night, but the deficit they were facing was still insurmountable.
Aaron Harang had arguably his best start of the season as he went seven innings of three - run ball for the win. Aaron Laffey made his first start of the year for Cleveland, and it was not a good one. Laffey was roughed up for five tallies in four frames.
Cleveland Indians: Indians Fall Apart Following Santana's Error
6 - 24 - 10 at Philadelphia L, 12 - 3 26 - 45
Since being called up from the minor leagues on June 11, Carlos Santana has done no wrong. He has produced offensively like an All - Star, and he has been flawless defensively. That is until the series finale at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Tribe's phenom made a costly error that opened the door for what turned out to be a Phillies' romp.
The Phils piled on five runs in the 2nd inning, aided significantly by that Santana miscue. The bases were loaded with nobody out when Dane Sardinha hit a chopper to third base. Andy Marte fielded it and he decided to get the force at the plate. His throw was good, but Santana dropped the ball, and it went all the way to the backstop, allowing two runs to score. The rout was on.
Jason Donald made things a little more competitive in the 5th by hitting a two - run homer to left field. What made the long ball even sweeter for Donald was that it came against the organization that had drafted him, developed him, and then traded him away.
The Phillies were just too much on this day, however, as they came roaring back with two in the bottom of the 5th, and five more in the 6th. Sardinha's first major league homer, a solo shot in the 6th, was the highlight of the uprising.
Joe Blanton handcuffed the Indians over 7 2/3 frames to earn the win, while Fausto Carmona got rocked for seven tallies in just four innings.
Since being called up from the minor leagues on June 11, Carlos Santana has done no wrong. He has produced offensively like an All - Star, and he has been flawless defensively. That is until the series finale at Citizen's Bank Park in Philadelphia. The Tribe's phenom made a costly error that opened the door for what turned out to be a Phillies' romp.
The Phils piled on five runs in the 2nd inning, aided significantly by that Santana miscue. The bases were loaded with nobody out when Dane Sardinha hit a chopper to third base. Andy Marte fielded it and he decided to get the force at the plate. His throw was good, but Santana dropped the ball, and it went all the way to the backstop, allowing two runs to score. The rout was on.
Jason Donald made things a little more competitive in the 5th by hitting a two - run homer to left field. What made the long ball even sweeter for Donald was that it came against the organization that had drafted him, developed him, and then traded him away.
The Phillies were just too much on this day, however, as they came roaring back with two in the bottom of the 5th, and five more in the 6th. Sardinha's first major league homer, a solo shot in the 6th, was the highlight of the uprising.
Joe Blanton handcuffed the Indians over 7 2/3 frames to earn the win, while Fausto Carmona got rocked for seven tallies in just four innings.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Indians Can't Hold Leads and Lose it on Rollins' Homer
6 - 23 - 10 at Philadelphia L, 7 - 6 26 - 43
Finding new ways to lose has been the theme of this 2010 season for the Indians, and against the Phillies, they were defeated because they could not hold on to a quartet of leads. Jimmy Rollins' walk - off homer in the bottom of the 9th sealed the Tribe's fate.
Cleveland grabbed their first advantage in the 1st when Shin - Soo Choo hammered a two - run dinger into the right field's upper deck.
The Phils came right back to tie it thanks to a double play in the bottom of the 1st, and a Jayson Werth solo home run in the 2nd.
Carlos Santana put the Indians back on top in the 3rd with his sacrifice fly, but Philadelphia was not done yet; not by a long shot.
Raul Ibanez's two run double in the 4th gave Philly the lead, and it forced the Tribe to try their hand at making a rally.
Cleveland did just that in the 5th as they got another two - run belt from Choo, this one clearing the fence in deep left - center.
However, Philadelphia tied the contest at 5 on Brian Schneider's first homer of the season, a solo job to right in the 7th.
Santana's RBI fielder's choice in the 9th could have been the game winner had the Phillies not had one final comeback left in them.
Kerry Wood came on for the bottom of the 9th, attempting to save just his sixth game of the campaign. Walking Schneider to start the inning was not good for Wood, and it only got worse from there. A weak groundout off the bat of former - Indian Ben Franciso, put the tying run in scoring position with only one out. Rollins wasn't thinking RBI single, though, as he smoked a fastball just inside the right field foul pole for a game - winner.
This was the Indians' fourth consecutive loss.
Finding new ways to lose has been the theme of this 2010 season for the Indians, and against the Phillies, they were defeated because they could not hold on to a quartet of leads. Jimmy Rollins' walk - off homer in the bottom of the 9th sealed the Tribe's fate.
Cleveland grabbed their first advantage in the 1st when Shin - Soo Choo hammered a two - run dinger into the right field's upper deck.
The Phils came right back to tie it thanks to a double play in the bottom of the 1st, and a Jayson Werth solo home run in the 2nd.
Carlos Santana put the Indians back on top in the 3rd with his sacrifice fly, but Philadelphia was not done yet; not by a long shot.
Raul Ibanez's two run double in the 4th gave Philly the lead, and it forced the Tribe to try their hand at making a rally.
Cleveland did just that in the 5th as they got another two - run belt from Choo, this one clearing the fence in deep left - center.
However, Philadelphia tied the contest at 5 on Brian Schneider's first homer of the season, a solo job to right in the 7th.
Santana's RBI fielder's choice in the 9th could have been the game winner had the Phillies not had one final comeback left in them.
Kerry Wood came on for the bottom of the 9th, attempting to save just his sixth game of the campaign. Walking Schneider to start the inning was not good for Wood, and it only got worse from there. A weak groundout off the bat of former - Indian Ben Franciso, put the tying run in scoring position with only one out. Rollins wasn't thinking RBI single, though, as he smoked a fastball just inside the right field foul pole for a game - winner.
This was the Indians' fourth consecutive loss.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Gets Sut Down by the "Ageless One"
6 - 22 - 10 at Philadelphia L, 2 - 1 26 - 43
Jamie Moyer is 47 years old, and somehow he is still managing to get big league hitters out. This win over the Indians gave him 266 career victories, and you would get no argument from the Tribe if you were to say he is still as tough to hit off of as any pitcher in the bigs.
The Phillies gave their grizzled veteran all the runs he would need, in the 1st inning. A single by Placido Polanco and a walk to Chase Utley set the table for one of the best hitters in all of baseball, Ryan Howard. With the infield shifted around to the right, Howard found the weak spot in Cleveland's defensive strategy as he rolled a grounder into left field for a RBI single. Jayson Werth was up next and his sacrifice fly concluded the Phils' scoring for the frame, and surprisingly, for the game as well.
Russell Branyan visited the second deck of seats in right field with his 2nd inning blast, pulling Cleveland within a run.
Philadelphia thought they had picked up an insurance run in the 4th on Shane Victorino's RBI fielder's choice, but the umpires gave the Indians the double play due to interference by Raul Ibanez, who slid out of the base line to try to break up the twin killer. The Phillies' manager, Charlie Manuel, was ejected in the ensuing argument.
The Indians had very few chances to tie or take the lead throughout the remainder of the contest. Carlos Santana did just miss a three - run homer in the 6th on what turned out to be a deep fly - out.
The Tribe got a couple of runners on base in the 9th, but Brad Lidge struck out Austin Kearns and Jhonny Peralta to end the ballgame.
Mitch Talbot was the losing pitcher even though he only allowed two runs in seven innings of work.
Jamie Moyer is 47 years old, and somehow he is still managing to get big league hitters out. This win over the Indians gave him 266 career victories, and you would get no argument from the Tribe if you were to say he is still as tough to hit off of as any pitcher in the bigs.
The Phillies gave their grizzled veteran all the runs he would need, in the 1st inning. A single by Placido Polanco and a walk to Chase Utley set the table for one of the best hitters in all of baseball, Ryan Howard. With the infield shifted around to the right, Howard found the weak spot in Cleveland's defensive strategy as he rolled a grounder into left field for a RBI single. Jayson Werth was up next and his sacrifice fly concluded the Phils' scoring for the frame, and surprisingly, for the game as well.
Russell Branyan visited the second deck of seats in right field with his 2nd inning blast, pulling Cleveland within a run.
Philadelphia thought they had picked up an insurance run in the 4th on Shane Victorino's RBI fielder's choice, but the umpires gave the Indians the double play due to interference by Raul Ibanez, who slid out of the base line to try to break up the twin killer. The Phillies' manager, Charlie Manuel, was ejected in the ensuing argument.
The Indians had very few chances to tie or take the lead throughout the remainder of the contest. Carlos Santana did just miss a three - run homer in the 6th on what turned out to be a deep fly - out.
The Tribe got a couple of runners on base in the 9th, but Brad Lidge struck out Austin Kearns and Jhonny Peralta to end the ballgame.
Mitch Talbot was the losing pitcher even though he only allowed two runs in seven innings of work.
Cleveland Indians: Bucs Score Late to Take Series
6 - 20 - 10 at Pittsburgh L, 5 - 3 26 - 42
A day after halting the Pirates 12 game losing streak, the Indians reached a new low as they lost the series rubber - match, as well.
Carlos Santana was Cleveland's offense in this game, and it started in the 1st inning when he connected for a two - run homer deep into the right field bleachers. Santana went on to add a RBI double in the 3rd, and he finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was up to the challenge that was offered them by the young Tribe catcher. They quickly tied the game in the bottom of the 1st as they took advantage of a couple of errors to score twice.
Heading into the pivotal 8th, the game was deadlocked at three, and both teams were about to have great chances to grab the lead.
The Indians' came because of an Austin Kearns single and a Russell Branyan double to start the frame. However, it went by the boards due to the timely pitching of Brendan Donnelly and the poor clutch hitting by the Tribe.
The Bucs took advantage of their scoring opportunity, and it was a rookie who delivered the biggest blow. With one out and a runner on third base, Pedro Alvarez drilled a sacrifice fly to deep right field to give his team the lead for good.
A day after halting the Pirates 12 game losing streak, the Indians reached a new low as they lost the series rubber - match, as well.
Carlos Santana was Cleveland's offense in this game, and it started in the 1st inning when he connected for a two - run homer deep into the right field bleachers. Santana went on to add a RBI double in the 3rd, and he finished a triple shy of the cycle.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh was up to the challenge that was offered them by the young Tribe catcher. They quickly tied the game in the bottom of the 1st as they took advantage of a couple of errors to score twice.
Heading into the pivotal 8th, the game was deadlocked at three, and both teams were about to have great chances to grab the lead.
The Indians' came because of an Austin Kearns single and a Russell Branyan double to start the frame. However, it went by the boards due to the timely pitching of Brendan Donnelly and the poor clutch hitting by the Tribe.
The Bucs took advantage of their scoring opportunity, and it was a rookie who delivered the biggest blow. With one out and a runner on third base, Pedro Alvarez drilled a sacrifice fly to deep right field to give his team the lead for good.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Pirates Put Breaks on Skid vs. Tribe
6 - 19 - 10 at Pittsburgh L, 6 - 4 26 - 41
The Pirates came into this game having lost 12 in a row, and the last thing the Indians wanted to do was have their opponents' misery come to an end on their watch. However, David Huff had another awful start, and Pittsburgh avoided equaling a club record of 13 consecutive defeats.
The Tribe grabbed the lead in the top of the 1st when Trevor Crowe singled, Shin - Soo Choo doubled, and Austin Kearns hit a grounder to second that brought home Crowe. Cleveland should have scored more, but they, as usual, struggled in the situational hitting department.
Andrew McCutchen tied the game in the bottom of the 1st by scoring from second base on an infield hit by Lastings Milledge. The Indians only lead of the game had lasted about ten minutes.
Huff began to come apart at the seams in the 3rd. Following two base hits, Milledge hit a liner to right field that Choo misplayed into a two - run triple.
Milledge's great day at the plate continued in the 5th as he hit a RBI double to center, and Pedro Alvarez followed with his first big league hit, a ground - rule double that scored Milledge.
The Tribe got back in the game in the 6th much the same way they took the lead back in the 1st. Crowe and Choo once again set the table with hits, giving the middle of the order another chance to deliver. And this time they did thanks to Russell Branyan, who homered off the foul pole in right, bringing Cleveland to within one.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Indians would get. The Pirates bullpen was rock solid coming down the stetch, and their offense added another tally in the 8th.
Huff's troubles continued with a five inning outing in which he allowed five runs. The loss was his ninth and it put him on pace to lose twenty game this season. That won't happen, though, because he was demoted to the minor leages after the game was over.
The Pirates came into this game having lost 12 in a row, and the last thing the Indians wanted to do was have their opponents' misery come to an end on their watch. However, David Huff had another awful start, and Pittsburgh avoided equaling a club record of 13 consecutive defeats.
The Tribe grabbed the lead in the top of the 1st when Trevor Crowe singled, Shin - Soo Choo doubled, and Austin Kearns hit a grounder to second that brought home Crowe. Cleveland should have scored more, but they, as usual, struggled in the situational hitting department.
Andrew McCutchen tied the game in the bottom of the 1st by scoring from second base on an infield hit by Lastings Milledge. The Indians only lead of the game had lasted about ten minutes.
Huff began to come apart at the seams in the 3rd. Following two base hits, Milledge hit a liner to right field that Choo misplayed into a two - run triple.
Milledge's great day at the plate continued in the 5th as he hit a RBI double to center, and Pedro Alvarez followed with his first big league hit, a ground - rule double that scored Milledge.
The Tribe got back in the game in the 6th much the same way they took the lead back in the 1st. Crowe and Choo once again set the table with hits, giving the middle of the order another chance to deliver. And this time they did thanks to Russell Branyan, who homered off the foul pole in right, bringing Cleveland to within one.
Unfortunately, that would be as close as the Indians would get. The Pirates bullpen was rock solid coming down the stetch, and their offense added another tally in the 8th.
Huff's troubles continued with a five inning outing in which he allowed five runs. The loss was his ninth and it put him on pace to lose twenty game this season. That won't happen, though, because he was demoted to the minor leages after the game was over.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe, Pirates Decide Game in 7th Inning
6 - 18 - 10 at Pittsburgh W, 4 - 3 26 - 40
Fausto Carmona and Paul Maholm, the two starting pitchers in this interleague series opener between the Indians and the Pirates, looked unhittable through the first six innings, but in the 7th, it appeared as if they were throwing batting practice. As a result, all seven runs in the game were scored in the 7th, and the Tribe was able to narrowly beat the Buccos.
We might as well fast - forward to that 7th frame because the contest was pretty boring up to that point. Jhonny Peralta led off with a double, and two batters later, Anderson Hernandez singled, which put runners on the corners with only one out having been recorded. Jason Donald then put Cleveland on the board by hitting a single to right, but with the pitcher up next, the rally seemed to be nearly over. Carmona did continue a bad day at the plate with a strikeout, yet, the Indians were just getting started. Trevor Crowe, Shin - Soo Choo, and Carlos Santana hit two RBI singles and a RBI double, respectively, to give the Tribe a 4 - 0 lead.
That advantage would prove to be just enough as Ryan Church hit a three - run double off Carmona in the bottom of the 7th. Following Fausto's implosion, the bullpen dominated, and Cleveland halted a four - game losing streak.
Fausto Carmona and Paul Maholm, the two starting pitchers in this interleague series opener between the Indians and the Pirates, looked unhittable through the first six innings, but in the 7th, it appeared as if they were throwing batting practice. As a result, all seven runs in the game were scored in the 7th, and the Tribe was able to narrowly beat the Buccos.
We might as well fast - forward to that 7th frame because the contest was pretty boring up to that point. Jhonny Peralta led off with a double, and two batters later, Anderson Hernandez singled, which put runners on the corners with only one out having been recorded. Jason Donald then put Cleveland on the board by hitting a single to right, but with the pitcher up next, the rally seemed to be nearly over. Carmona did continue a bad day at the plate with a strikeout, yet, the Indians were just getting started. Trevor Crowe, Shin - Soo Choo, and Carlos Santana hit two RBI singles and a RBI double, respectively, to give the Tribe a 4 - 0 lead.
That advantage would prove to be just enough as Ryan Church hit a three - run double off Carmona in the bottom of the 7th. Following Fausto's implosion, the bullpen dominated, and Cleveland halted a four - game losing streak.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Mets Finish Sweep of Tribe
6 - 17 - 10 vs. New York Mets L, 6 - 4 25 - 40
This three - game series between the Tribe and the Mets was a clinic on how to aggresively play baseball, and the Indians were the miserable students. New York ran Cleveland ragged all week long in an easy sweep for the Amazins.
The game was pretty much over after the 1st inning as the Mets scored three times off of Jake Westbrook. A pair of RBI singles from Ike Davis and Henry Blanco sandwiched around a Jeff Francouer sacrifice fly, drove home the trio of tallies.
The Tribe did cut the deficit to one with single runs in the 2nd and 3rd, but New York wasn't about to be denied their seventh straight victory. If you are interested, a Jhonny Peralta RBI single and a Ruben Tejada fielding error provided the scoring that was mentioned above.
The Mets restored their three - run lead in the 4th. They used a walk, a sac bunt, a double, a fielder's choice, and a single to put two more runs on the board. It was just one more instance of how New York can play small ball with the best of 'em.
A pair of Travis Hafner RBI groundouts pulled Cleveland within one at 5 - 4, and it appeared as if the Indians had a fighting chance with the contest going into the 8th. However, after there were two outs, Tejada blooped a single to center, and Jose Reyes drilled a ball into the right - center gap for a triple that scored Tejada. Showing the hustle that has made him a superstar, Reyes never slowed down on the play and slid head - first into third base just ahead of the throw.
The Indians went quietly in the final two frames as they lost their fourth in a row.
Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (6 IP, 3R, 2ER) took the win, Westbrook (7IP, 5ER), the loss, and Francisco Rodriguez (1IP, 0ER), the save.
This three - game series between the Tribe and the Mets was a clinic on how to aggresively play baseball, and the Indians were the miserable students. New York ran Cleveland ragged all week long in an easy sweep for the Amazins.
The game was pretty much over after the 1st inning as the Mets scored three times off of Jake Westbrook. A pair of RBI singles from Ike Davis and Henry Blanco sandwiched around a Jeff Francouer sacrifice fly, drove home the trio of tallies.
The Tribe did cut the deficit to one with single runs in the 2nd and 3rd, but New York wasn't about to be denied their seventh straight victory. If you are interested, a Jhonny Peralta RBI single and a Ruben Tejada fielding error provided the scoring that was mentioned above.
The Mets restored their three - run lead in the 4th. They used a walk, a sac bunt, a double, a fielder's choice, and a single to put two more runs on the board. It was just one more instance of how New York can play small ball with the best of 'em.
A pair of Travis Hafner RBI groundouts pulled Cleveland within one at 5 - 4, and it appeared as if the Indians had a fighting chance with the contest going into the 8th. However, after there were two outs, Tejada blooped a single to center, and Jose Reyes drilled a ball into the right - center gap for a triple that scored Tejada. Showing the hustle that has made him a superstar, Reyes never slowed down on the play and slid head - first into third base just ahead of the throw.
The Indians went quietly in the final two frames as they lost their fourth in a row.
Knuckleballer R.A. Dickey (6 IP, 3R, 2ER) took the win, Westbrook (7IP, 5ER), the loss, and Francisco Rodriguez (1IP, 0ER), the save.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Mets Take Advantage of Talbot's Struggles
6 - 16 - 10 L, 8 - 4 vs. New York Mets 25 - 39
Mitch Talbot is finally having some trouble in what so far has been a tremendous rookie season. Talbot has now been roughed up in two consecutive starts, inlcuding this one against the Mets.
New York used the two - bagger to take a 5 - 0 lead in the 3rd. All of the runs in the inning scored on four consecutive doubles by Angel Pagan, David Wright, Ike Davis, and Jason Bay.
The Indians came right back with two in the 4th and one in the 5th. Shelley Duncan hit out a two - run homer to the porch in left field, and one frame later, with two outs, Carlos Santana drove home a tally by singling to left. And just like that, the Tribe was right back in the game.
However, the Mets had a very loud answer to Cleveland's rally. In the 6th, they put a three - spot on the board thanks to a two - run single off the bat of Jeff Francouer, and a RBI single from Angel Pagan. With that outburst, New York rendered the Indians' comeback futile and took all the remaining suspense out of this contest.
Talbot suffered the loss and his final numbers were not pretty. He allowed eight runs on a whopping thirteen hits in less than six innings of work. Jon Niese was the beneficiary of that as he happily took his fourth win of the campaign.
Mitch Talbot is finally having some trouble in what so far has been a tremendous rookie season. Talbot has now been roughed up in two consecutive starts, inlcuding this one against the Mets.
New York used the two - bagger to take a 5 - 0 lead in the 3rd. All of the runs in the inning scored on four consecutive doubles by Angel Pagan, David Wright, Ike Davis, and Jason Bay.
The Indians came right back with two in the 4th and one in the 5th. Shelley Duncan hit out a two - run homer to the porch in left field, and one frame later, with two outs, Carlos Santana drove home a tally by singling to left. And just like that, the Tribe was right back in the game.
However, the Mets had a very loud answer to Cleveland's rally. In the 6th, they put a three - spot on the board thanks to a two - run single off the bat of Jeff Francouer, and a RBI single from Angel Pagan. With that outburst, New York rendered the Indians' comeback futile and took all the remaining suspense out of this contest.
Talbot suffered the loss and his final numbers were not pretty. He allowed eight runs on a whopping thirteen hits in less than six innings of work. Jon Niese was the beneficiary of that as he happily took his fourth win of the campaign.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Bad Defense Leads To Bad Loss
6 - 15 - 10 vs. New York Mets L, 7 - 6 25 - 38
Like any rebuilding team, the Indians have had their share of frustrating losses, but the interleague series opener against the Mets may have been the worst. The Tribe was leading 4 - 1 in the 5th inning when they all of a sudden forgot how to play defense and the result was a deficit that the bats could not overcome.
Following a RBI infield single from David Wright in the 1st that gave the New Yorkers a short - lived lead, Cleveland came roaring back in the 2nd. Travis Hafner got things rolling with a solo homer to right and the game was tied. A Russell Branyan walk and singles by Jhonny Peralta and Luis Valbuena set the table for Trevor Crowe, and he delivered with a two - out, two - run single through the left side of the infield.
The Indians increased their advantage to the aforementioned 4 - 1 when Jason Donald bounced a two - out RBI single back up the middle that scored Peralta, who had walked. Then the roof caved in.
In the 5th, the Mets recorded two bunt singles, took advantage of a costly error by pitcher Justin Masterson, scored twice on one infield hit, got a big two - run bomb from Ike Davis, and when the dust had settled, the Amazins had tallied five times and were up 6 - 4. If the Tribe's defense had been better, it is very possible that New York would not have scored at all.
The Mets were on top 7 - 4 when Cleveland came agonizingly close in the bottom of the 9th. Branyan led off with a single, and two batters later, Valbuena was called out on strikes even though the final pitch should have been ball four. That loomed large when Shelley Duncan stroked a two - run homer that would have tied the game if not for the bad call by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. Crowe could not make amends as he flew out to end the ballgame.
Hampered by poor defense behind him - the Indians made three errors in the contest - Masterson allowed seven runs (six earned) in seven frames of pitching. The loss dropped Justin to 2 - 6 for the year. Johan Santana was the winner and Francisco Rodriguez earned the save, both for New York.
Like any rebuilding team, the Indians have had their share of frustrating losses, but the interleague series opener against the Mets may have been the worst. The Tribe was leading 4 - 1 in the 5th inning when they all of a sudden forgot how to play defense and the result was a deficit that the bats could not overcome.
Following a RBI infield single from David Wright in the 1st that gave the New Yorkers a short - lived lead, Cleveland came roaring back in the 2nd. Travis Hafner got things rolling with a solo homer to right and the game was tied. A Russell Branyan walk and singles by Jhonny Peralta and Luis Valbuena set the table for Trevor Crowe, and he delivered with a two - out, two - run single through the left side of the infield.
The Indians increased their advantage to the aforementioned 4 - 1 when Jason Donald bounced a two - out RBI single back up the middle that scored Peralta, who had walked. Then the roof caved in.
In the 5th, the Mets recorded two bunt singles, took advantage of a costly error by pitcher Justin Masterson, scored twice on one infield hit, got a big two - run bomb from Ike Davis, and when the dust had settled, the Amazins had tallied five times and were up 6 - 4. If the Tribe's defense had been better, it is very possible that New York would not have scored at all.
The Mets were on top 7 - 4 when Cleveland came agonizingly close in the bottom of the 9th. Branyan led off with a single, and two batters later, Valbuena was called out on strikes even though the final pitch should have been ball four. That loomed large when Shelley Duncan stroked a two - run homer that would have tied the game if not for the bad call by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley. Crowe could not make amends as he flew out to end the ballgame.
Hampered by poor defense behind him - the Indians made three errors in the contest - Masterson allowed seven runs (six earned) in seven frames of pitching. The loss dropped Justin to 2 - 6 for the year. Johan Santana was the winner and Francisco Rodriguez earned the save, both for New York.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Strasburg as Good as Advertised
6 - 13 - 10 vs. Washington L, 9 - 4 25 - 37
The 32,786 fans who packed into Progressive Field to watch the series finale between the Indians and Nationals, can say they saw the most hyped pitching phenom since former Indian Bob Feller. Stephen Strasburg became a national phenomenon following his 14 strikeout major league debut, and Clevelanders were obviously paying attention because they flocked to the ballpark for his second career start.
Strasburg had all his pitches going for him in the 1st as he struck out Trevor Crowe on a head high fastball and then got Shin - Soo Choo to chase a changeup down and in. Carlos Santana finally put the ball in play, but his line drive was right at Josh Willingham in left - center field.
Given a 1 - 0 lead thanks to a Mike Morse RBI single, Strasburg made his first mistake of the afternoon in the bottom of the 2nd. He grooved a fastball to Travis Hafner and, unlike the hitters Stephen faced at the minor league level, Pronk turned on the 100 mile per hour heater and lined it just over the wall in right for a game tying home run. Showing his toughness, the Washington right - hander came right back to strike out both Russell Branyan and Jhonny Peralta with a pair of nasty curveballs.
Strasburg grounded out the side in the 3rd, and after Adam Dunn hit a solo jack in the top of the 4th, the phenom had his best inning of the day. He whiffed Choo on a breaking ball, Austin Kearns on a two seamer, and Branyan with the high heat. He also worked around a pair of walks as he began having some issues with the mound that would resurface in the 6th.
In the 5th, the kid struck out Peralta again, this time by blowing a fastball by him, and he walked another batter, but it didn't come back to hurt him.
When Strasburg took the hill in the 6th, the game was already out of hand due to the four runs the Nats had scored in the top of the frame, and that was good news for Stephen because he was about to have some serious problems with the mound again. Strasburg walked the bases loaded with only one out, and in the midst of all that he had the grounds crew come out and repair the mound. It didn't work as Strasburg continued to have issues with his landing spot, and he had to be relieved by Drew Storen. Storen is another hard thrower and he got out of the mess without allowing a single run to score.
When you consider all of the adverse conditions Stephen Strasburg had to deal with, you would have to admit that he had a pretty good outing. Remember this was his first road start in the big leagues and for a rookie, a little soft spot at the base of the mound can be a big issue. He finished the day having gone 5 1/3 innings while allowing only one run on just two base hits to go along with eight K's and five bases on balls. Strasburg is now 2 - 0 to start his promising career.
The Tribe went on to plate three runs in the 9th, but the final result was still ugly.
The 32,786 fans who packed into Progressive Field to watch the series finale between the Indians and Nationals, can say they saw the most hyped pitching phenom since former Indian Bob Feller. Stephen Strasburg became a national phenomenon following his 14 strikeout major league debut, and Clevelanders were obviously paying attention because they flocked to the ballpark for his second career start.
Strasburg had all his pitches going for him in the 1st as he struck out Trevor Crowe on a head high fastball and then got Shin - Soo Choo to chase a changeup down and in. Carlos Santana finally put the ball in play, but his line drive was right at Josh Willingham in left - center field.
Given a 1 - 0 lead thanks to a Mike Morse RBI single, Strasburg made his first mistake of the afternoon in the bottom of the 2nd. He grooved a fastball to Travis Hafner and, unlike the hitters Stephen faced at the minor league level, Pronk turned on the 100 mile per hour heater and lined it just over the wall in right for a game tying home run. Showing his toughness, the Washington right - hander came right back to strike out both Russell Branyan and Jhonny Peralta with a pair of nasty curveballs.
Strasburg grounded out the side in the 3rd, and after Adam Dunn hit a solo jack in the top of the 4th, the phenom had his best inning of the day. He whiffed Choo on a breaking ball, Austin Kearns on a two seamer, and Branyan with the high heat. He also worked around a pair of walks as he began having some issues with the mound that would resurface in the 6th.
In the 5th, the kid struck out Peralta again, this time by blowing a fastball by him, and he walked another batter, but it didn't come back to hurt him.
When Strasburg took the hill in the 6th, the game was already out of hand due to the four runs the Nats had scored in the top of the frame, and that was good news for Stephen because he was about to have some serious problems with the mound again. Strasburg walked the bases loaded with only one out, and in the midst of all that he had the grounds crew come out and repair the mound. It didn't work as Strasburg continued to have issues with his landing spot, and he had to be relieved by Drew Storen. Storen is another hard thrower and he got out of the mess without allowing a single run to score.
When you consider all of the adverse conditions Stephen Strasburg had to deal with, you would have to admit that he had a pretty good outing. Remember this was his first road start in the big leagues and for a rookie, a little soft spot at the base of the mound can be a big issue. He finished the day having gone 5 1/3 innings while allowing only one run on just two base hits to go along with eight K's and five bases on balls. Strasburg is now 2 - 0 to start his promising career.
The Tribe went on to plate three runs in the 9th, but the final result was still ugly.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Nats Can't Touch Carmona as Indians Romp
6 - 12 - 10 vs. Washington W, 7 - 1 25 - 36
Sporting uniforms from their 1920 World Championship season, the Indians went out and played like champions in an embarassment of the Nationals. Washington was weaing unis from 1924, but they would have to wait for Stephen Strasburg before anybody mistook them for the Walter Johnson - led club of 86 years ago.
Fausto Carmona was the story of the night as he tossed a complete game while only allowing one run on three hits. Carmona struck out seven Nationals batters and he only pitched to one over the minimum of 27.
While Carmona was making his opponents look foolish, the Tribe's bats were roaring to life. After picking up an unearned tally in the 1st inning, Cleveland exploded in the 2nd. Luis Valbuena hit a sacrifice fly, and with two down, Shin - Soo Choo grounded a RBI single through the right side of the infield, bringing up the rookie sensation, Carlos Santana. With one swing of the bat, Santana got his first career hit and RBIs on a two - run double scorched down the right field line. At that point, the game, for all intents and purposes, was over.
Santana went on to hit his first major league homer, a solo job to deep right in the 5th, and Russell Branyan also hit one out in the 8th.
Sporting uniforms from their 1920 World Championship season, the Indians went out and played like champions in an embarassment of the Nationals. Washington was weaing unis from 1924, but they would have to wait for Stephen Strasburg before anybody mistook them for the Walter Johnson - led club of 86 years ago.
Fausto Carmona was the story of the night as he tossed a complete game while only allowing one run on three hits. Carmona struck out seven Nationals batters and he only pitched to one over the minimum of 27.
While Carmona was making his opponents look foolish, the Tribe's bats were roaring to life. After picking up an unearned tally in the 1st inning, Cleveland exploded in the 2nd. Luis Valbuena hit a sacrifice fly, and with two down, Shin - Soo Choo grounded a RBI single through the right side of the infield, bringing up the rookie sensation, Carlos Santana. With one swing of the bat, Santana got his first career hit and RBIs on a two - run double scorched down the right field line. At that point, the game, for all intents and purposes, was over.
Santana went on to hit his first major league homer, a solo job to deep right in the 5th, and Russell Branyan also hit one out in the 8th.
Cleveland Indians: Kearns Steals Spotlight in Santana's Debut
6 - 11 - 10 vs. Washington W, 7 - 2 24 - 36
Ever since he began making some noise in the minor leagues, Indians' fans have eagerly awaited the major league debut of Carlos Santana. And that finally came in the series opener against Washington at Progressive Field in front of a crowd of over 20,000, which is a lot for the Tribe this season. While the young catcher did not have a bad first game, Austin Kearns stole the show with a pair of long balls in the rout.
The Nationals did score first on an Adam Dunn RBI double in the 1st inning, but Cleveland came right back.
It looked like the Indians would go quietly in their first at - bat until Adam Kennedy made a two - out fielding error that put runners on the corners. Kearns made the Nats pay by stroking a three - run homer over the left field wall, and the Indians never looked back.
Kearns added anther gopher ball in the 4th, and then in the 6th, the Tribe hung a three - spot. Travis Hafner belted a solo home run and Trevor Crowe ripped a two - run single into right.
Jake Westbrook was brilliant for Cleveland as he allowed just a pair of runs in 7 1/3 frames. The win gave Westbrook a winning record (4 - 3) for the first time this season.
Santana, although overshadowed by Kearns, still did some positive things in his first game for the Tribe. In the 1st inning, he threw out a would - be base stealer, and he also drew a walk and scored a run.
Ever since he began making some noise in the minor leagues, Indians' fans have eagerly awaited the major league debut of Carlos Santana. And that finally came in the series opener against Washington at Progressive Field in front of a crowd of over 20,000, which is a lot for the Tribe this season. While the young catcher did not have a bad first game, Austin Kearns stole the show with a pair of long balls in the rout.
The Nationals did score first on an Adam Dunn RBI double in the 1st inning, but Cleveland came right back.
It looked like the Indians would go quietly in their first at - bat until Adam Kennedy made a two - out fielding error that put runners on the corners. Kearns made the Nats pay by stroking a three - run homer over the left field wall, and the Indians never looked back.
Kearns added anther gopher ball in the 4th, and then in the 6th, the Tribe hung a three - spot. Travis Hafner belted a solo home run and Trevor Crowe ripped a two - run single into right.
Jake Westbrook was brilliant for Cleveland as he allowed just a pair of runs in 7 1/3 frames. The win gave Westbrook a winning record (4 - 3) for the first time this season.
Santana, although overshadowed by Kearns, still did some positive things in his first game for the Tribe. In the 1st inning, he threw out a would - be base stealer, and he also drew a walk and scored a run.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Rallies Back Twice to Stun BoSox
6 - 10 - 10 vs. Boston W, 8 - 7 23 - 36
In the wildest game of the year, the Indians twice came back against the Red Sox, and they wound up walking off in dramatic fashion.
Boston got out to a 4 - 0 lead in the first inning by taking advantage of three errors by Andy Marte. The Tribe third baseman's miscues led to three unearned runs off of Mitch Talbot.
The Sox were up 5 - 0 before Cleveland began to rally in the third. Following a couple of base hits from Anderson Hernandez and Jason Donald, Trevor Crowe shot a RBI double down into the left field corner, giving the Indians some life. Shin - Soo Choo made things a little closer with a sacrifice fly and Austin Kearns added a two - out RBI single. It was now just a two - run game.
The Tribe put up another three - spot in the sixth to grab the lead. Kearns walked and Shelley Duncan singled, setting up Andy Marte's time for redemption. Marte grounded a single into left that scored Kearns and moved Duncan to second base. Then, with two down, Lou Marson dropped a fly ball into shallow right, bringing home a pair of runs and giving Cleveland their first advantage of the night.
The Indians still led 6 - 5 going into the ninth, and the game appeared over when Kerry Wood picked up two quick outs. However, Wood hit J.D. Drew with a pitch and then he surrendered a two - run homer to Adrian Beltre. All of the sudden, Boston was taking a one - run lead into the bottom of the ninth.
The Tribe rallied back, though, off of Daniel Bard. Trevor Crowe walked, Shin - Soo Choo doubled, and Austin Kearns drew another free pass that loaded the bases with nobody out. That golden opportunity almost went by the boards for the Indians as Travis Hafner struck out and Jhonny Peralta popped out. Russell Branyan was able to save the day with a single that just got over the glove of second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Crowe scored the tying run, and Choo, the winning tally, prompting a wild celebration at Progressive Field.
In the wildest game of the year, the Indians twice came back against the Red Sox, and they wound up walking off in dramatic fashion.
Boston got out to a 4 - 0 lead in the first inning by taking advantage of three errors by Andy Marte. The Tribe third baseman's miscues led to three unearned runs off of Mitch Talbot.
The Sox were up 5 - 0 before Cleveland began to rally in the third. Following a couple of base hits from Anderson Hernandez and Jason Donald, Trevor Crowe shot a RBI double down into the left field corner, giving the Indians some life. Shin - Soo Choo made things a little closer with a sacrifice fly and Austin Kearns added a two - out RBI single. It was now just a two - run game.
The Tribe put up another three - spot in the sixth to grab the lead. Kearns walked and Shelley Duncan singled, setting up Andy Marte's time for redemption. Marte grounded a single into left that scored Kearns and moved Duncan to second base. Then, with two down, Lou Marson dropped a fly ball into shallow right, bringing home a pair of runs and giving Cleveland their first advantage of the night.
The Indians still led 6 - 5 going into the ninth, and the game appeared over when Kerry Wood picked up two quick outs. However, Wood hit J.D. Drew with a pitch and then he surrendered a two - run homer to Adrian Beltre. All of the sudden, Boston was taking a one - run lead into the bottom of the ninth.
The Tribe rallied back, though, off of Daniel Bard. Trevor Crowe walked, Shin - Soo Choo doubled, and Austin Kearns drew another free pass that loaded the bases with nobody out. That golden opportunity almost went by the boards for the Indians as Travis Hafner struck out and Jhonny Peralta popped out. Russell Branyan was able to save the day with a single that just got over the glove of second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Crowe scored the tying run, and Choo, the winning tally, prompting a wild celebration at Progressive Field.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Lights up Scoreboard in Support of Masterson's Gem
6 - 9 - 10 vs. Boston W, 11 - 0 22 - 36
Pitching against his former team apparently gives Justin Masterson some extra incentive to do well. The Indians' right - hander threw a two - hit shutout, the first of his career, and he added six strikeouts for good measure.
Cleveland picked up single runs in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th innings without the use of a RBI hit. Jhonny Peralta had a sacrifice fly, Trevor Crowe tripled and scored on a double play ball, and Luis Valbuena drove home a tally with a groundout. Those three scores would have been enough for Masterson, but the Tribe offense was just getting warmed up.
In the 8th inning, the Indians put together their best offensive barrage of the season. The Red Sox relief corps did not even record an out until the Tribe had batted around as Trevor Crowe (walk), Shin - Soo Choo (single), Austin Kearns (walk), Russell Branyan (RBI single), Jhonny Peralta (RBI single), Travis Hafner (grand slam), Luis Valbuena (single), Anderson Hernandez (double), and Lou Marson (walk) all reached base safely. That outburst put six runs on the board, and a double play ball and a Branyan infield RBI single finished off the frame and set the final score at 11 - 0.
Pitching against his former team apparently gives Justin Masterson some extra incentive to do well. The Indians' right - hander threw a two - hit shutout, the first of his career, and he added six strikeouts for good measure.
Cleveland picked up single runs in the 1st, 3rd, and 4th innings without the use of a RBI hit. Jhonny Peralta had a sacrifice fly, Trevor Crowe tripled and scored on a double play ball, and Luis Valbuena drove home a tally with a groundout. Those three scores would have been enough for Masterson, but the Tribe offense was just getting warmed up.
In the 8th inning, the Indians put together their best offensive barrage of the season. The Red Sox relief corps did not even record an out until the Tribe had batted around as Trevor Crowe (walk), Shin - Soo Choo (single), Austin Kearns (walk), Russell Branyan (RBI single), Jhonny Peralta (RBI single), Travis Hafner (grand slam), Luis Valbuena (single), Anderson Hernandez (double), and Lou Marson (walk) all reached base safely. That outburst put six runs on the board, and a double play ball and a Branyan infield RBI single finished off the frame and set the final score at 11 - 0.
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Can't Overcome Crowe's Error
6 - 8 - 10 vs. Boston L, 3 - 2 21 - 36
It was a play that Trevor Crowe has made countless times throughout his major league career, but in the 4th inning against Boston, he didn't. With two outs, Victor Martinez lofted a fly ball to fairly deep left field that Crowe had a bead on just in front of the wall. However, when he went to catch it, the ball popped out of his glove, and the Red Sox had the break they were looking for. They went on to score three runs, all unearned off of David Huff, as the next four Sox batters got base hits following the error.
The Indians had scored a run in the 1st on an Adrian Beltre throwing error, and they pulled within one on Shelley Duncan's 7th inning homer off the foul pole in left, but they could never tie or take the lead.
Boston's Tim Wakefield kept the Tribe hitters off balance all night long with his nasty knuckleball, and he went 7 1/3 innings while allowing just two runs. David Huff was the losing pitcher even though he did not surrender an earned run in six frames of work.
It was a play that Trevor Crowe has made countless times throughout his major league career, but in the 4th inning against Boston, he didn't. With two outs, Victor Martinez lofted a fly ball to fairly deep left field that Crowe had a bead on just in front of the wall. However, when he went to catch it, the ball popped out of his glove, and the Red Sox had the break they were looking for. They went on to score three runs, all unearned off of David Huff, as the next four Sox batters got base hits following the error.
The Indians had scored a run in the 1st on an Adrian Beltre throwing error, and they pulled within one on Shelley Duncan's 7th inning homer off the foul pole in left, but they could never tie or take the lead.
Boston's Tim Wakefield kept the Tribe hitters off balance all night long with his nasty knuckleball, and he went 7 1/3 innings while allowing just two runs. David Huff was the losing pitcher even though he did not surrender an earned run in six frames of work.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Situational Hitting Carries Boston Over the Indians
6 - 7 - 10 vs. Boston L, 4 - 1 21 - 35
Knowing that the opposition is simply better has become a familiar feeling for the Indians and their fans this season, and never has it been more prevalent than following the series opener with the Boston Red Sox. The Tribe did not play all that poorly, but Boston hit better in key situations and got the big outs when they needed to be recorded.
The Sox only had one RBI hit all night, a Bill Hall single in the 8th, as they instead used grounders to the right side of the infield and sacrifice flies to plate four runs. In his return to Cleveland, Victor Martinez went 2 - 4 with a double and a sac fly.
The Indians avoided being shut out thanks to Austin Kearns in the 9th inning. Kearns jumped all over a Daniel Bard fastball and he hit it deep into the left field bleachers. Two outs later, however, the game was over.
Daisuke Matsuzaka was in complete control from the get - go, and he held Cleveland scoreless over eight frames of work while striking out five. Fausto Carmona had his second straight quality start wasted by poor hitting as he went six innings and allowed just two earned runs.
Knowing that the opposition is simply better has become a familiar feeling for the Indians and their fans this season, and never has it been more prevalent than following the series opener with the Boston Red Sox. The Tribe did not play all that poorly, but Boston hit better in key situations and got the big outs when they needed to be recorded.
The Sox only had one RBI hit all night, a Bill Hall single in the 8th, as they instead used grounders to the right side of the infield and sacrifice flies to plate four runs. In his return to Cleveland, Victor Martinez went 2 - 4 with a double and a sac fly.
The Indians avoided being shut out thanks to Austin Kearns in the 9th inning. Kearns jumped all over a Daniel Bard fastball and he hit it deep into the left field bleachers. Two outs later, however, the game was over.
Daisuke Matsuzaka was in complete control from the get - go, and he held Cleveland scoreless over eight frames of work while striking out five. Fausto Carmona had his second straight quality start wasted by poor hitting as he went six innings and allowed just two earned runs.
Cleveland Indians: Bullpen's 7th Inning Troubles Continue in Chicago
6 - 6 - 10 at Chicago White Sox L, 8 - 7 21 - 34
It began in New York when Tony Sipp allowed a grand slam to Robinson Cano, and it continued in Chicago when Carlos Quentin hit a two - run single off of Rafael Perez. On the road trip that the Indians just wrapped up, they surrendered 21 runs in the seventh inning, and the two they gave up in Chicago really hurt because it cost the Tribe a chance at a sweep.
Things started well for Cleveland as they were able to score three runs in both the first and third innings. In the first it was Jhonny Peralta delivering a two - run single, and Shelley Duncan followed with a RBI double. In the third, Lou Marson launched a two - out, three - run homer into the left field bleachers, and it appeared as if the Indians were going to get the sweep, leading 6 - 2.
The White Sox rallied back to tie the game going into the pivotal seventh frame. A single and two walks loaded the bases with only one out, and a weak fly out off the bat of Mark Kotsay merely delayed the inevitable. Perez then served up a hanging slider to Quentin, and he grounded it right back up the middle, scoring the two key runs the Sox needed.
The Tribe would go on to get one more run, but they still fell short as a brutal road trip mercifully came to an end.
It began in New York when Tony Sipp allowed a grand slam to Robinson Cano, and it continued in Chicago when Carlos Quentin hit a two - run single off of Rafael Perez. On the road trip that the Indians just wrapped up, they surrendered 21 runs in the seventh inning, and the two they gave up in Chicago really hurt because it cost the Tribe a chance at a sweep.
Things started well for Cleveland as they were able to score three runs in both the first and third innings. In the first it was Jhonny Peralta delivering a two - run single, and Shelley Duncan followed with a RBI double. In the third, Lou Marson launched a two - out, three - run homer into the left field bleachers, and it appeared as if the Indians were going to get the sweep, leading 6 - 2.
The White Sox rallied back to tie the game going into the pivotal seventh frame. A single and two walks loaded the bases with only one out, and a weak fly out off the bat of Mark Kotsay merely delayed the inevitable. Perez then served up a hanging slider to Quentin, and he grounded it right back up the middle, scoring the two key runs the Sox needed.
The Tribe would go on to get one more run, but they still fell short as a brutal road trip mercifully came to an end.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Talbot, Indians Continue to Dominate Sox
6 - 5 - 10 at Chicago White Sox W, 3 - 1 21 - 33
The Indians' success against the White Sox this season is bordering on the ridiculous. Against the rest of baseball, the Tribe has a lowly record of 13 - 30, but against the Sox, they are 11 - 3. And Mitch Talbot has won three of those games including this one that gave Cleveland a series victory over their rivals to the west.
The Indians scored all the runs they would need in the fourth inning. Trevor Crowe and Shin - Soo Choo led off with singles, bringing up Austin Kearns. Kearns grounded a single through the left side of the infield that scored Crowe, but Choo was thrown out trying to advance to third. Kearns went to second on the play, and he came around to score thanks to a wild pitch and a balk, both committed by Jake Peavy.
Chicago got their only tally in the bottom of the fourth when Ramon Castro hit a two - out, RBI single.
Choo helped create another run for the Tribe in the eighth as he singled, stole second, and scored on Russell Branyan's base - hit.
Talbot took care of the rest by pitching seven strong innings and he gave up just the one run to earn his seventh win of the season.
The Indians' success against the White Sox this season is bordering on the ridiculous. Against the rest of baseball, the Tribe has a lowly record of 13 - 30, but against the Sox, they are 11 - 3. And Mitch Talbot has won three of those games including this one that gave Cleveland a series victory over their rivals to the west.
The Indians scored all the runs they would need in the fourth inning. Trevor Crowe and Shin - Soo Choo led off with singles, bringing up Austin Kearns. Kearns grounded a single through the left side of the infield that scored Crowe, but Choo was thrown out trying to advance to third. Kearns went to second on the play, and he came around to score thanks to a wild pitch and a balk, both committed by Jake Peavy.
Chicago got their only tally in the bottom of the fourth when Ramon Castro hit a two - out, RBI single.
Choo helped create another run for the Tribe in the eighth as he singled, stole second, and scored on Russell Branyan's base - hit.
Talbot took care of the rest by pitching seven strong innings and he gave up just the one run to earn his seventh win of the season.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Bats Break Out to Give Masterson First Win
6 - 4 - 10 at Chicago White Sox W, 10 - 1 20 - 33
Justin Masterson had already set a club record with 17 consecutive starts without a victory before he took the mound in Chicago. However, this time he decided to do something about it. Masterson worked out of jams all evening long, and he finished his outing having gone five and two - thirds innings while allowing only one run.
Juan Pierre's solo home run in the fourth staked the Sox to a 1 - 0 lead, but things quickly changed in the sixth. Jhonny Peralta hit a two - run double off the wall in left field that was nearly a grand slam, and Shelley Duncan and Luis Valbuena contributed an RBI double and a RBI single, respectively. The Tribe would have scored more had Alexi Ramirez not cut down a runner at the plate from his shortstop position.
Another two - run double off the bat of Peralta in the seventh put the game on ice, and Cleveland piled on in the eighth as well. Austin Kearns hit a two - run homer to right - center, and Trevor Crowe had himself a two - run triple.
Meanwhile, the White Sox were stranding base runners at a horrific rate. They left a total of eight men on base for the entire game, but seven of those came in just three frames.
Justin Masterson had already set a club record with 17 consecutive starts without a victory before he took the mound in Chicago. However, this time he decided to do something about it. Masterson worked out of jams all evening long, and he finished his outing having gone five and two - thirds innings while allowing only one run.
Juan Pierre's solo home run in the fourth staked the Sox to a 1 - 0 lead, but things quickly changed in the sixth. Jhonny Peralta hit a two - run double off the wall in left field that was nearly a grand slam, and Shelley Duncan and Luis Valbuena contributed an RBI double and a RBI single, respectively. The Tribe would have scored more had Alexi Ramirez not cut down a runner at the plate from his shortstop position.
Another two - run double off the bat of Peralta in the seventh put the game on ice, and Cleveland piled on in the eighth as well. Austin Kearns hit a two - run homer to right - center, and Trevor Crowe had himself a two - run triple.
Meanwhile, the White Sox were stranding base runners at a horrific rate. They left a total of eight men on base for the entire game, but seven of those came in just three frames.
Cleveland Indians: Tigers Out - Slug Indians in Detroit
6 - 3 - 10 at Detroit L, 12 - 6 19 - 33
Less than 24 hours after Armando Galarraga nearly threw a perfect game at Comerica Park, the Indians and Tigers met up again, and this time the hitters took center stage. The two clubs combined to score 18 times and Detroit, even though they were victorious, committed four errors, as this was not the prettiest game to watch.
Cleveland found themselves on the short end of a 5 - 1 score when they erupted for a five - spot in the fourth inning. Russell Branyan was hit by a pitch, Matt LaPorta walked, and Luis Valbuena singled to load the bases with nobody out. The Tigers then fell apart defensively as Brandon Inge failed to glove a grounder at third and Carlos Guillen made a throwing error from his second base position. Those two miscues cost the home team a total of three tallies, and they also set up more scoring from the Tribe. Before the frame was over, Shin - Soo Choo had hit a RBI double and Travis Hafner had plated a run via a groundout.
The Indians' 6 - 5 advantage didn't last long thanks to Magglio Ordonez and the rest of the Detroit offense. Ordonez knocked in five runs with a triple, a double, and a homer, and his three - run shot in the seventh put the game away.
David Huff allowed five runs in three innings, but that news was secondary to the fact that he was pitching just four days after taking a line drive off his head.
Less than 24 hours after Armando Galarraga nearly threw a perfect game at Comerica Park, the Indians and Tigers met up again, and this time the hitters took center stage. The two clubs combined to score 18 times and Detroit, even though they were victorious, committed four errors, as this was not the prettiest game to watch.
Cleveland found themselves on the short end of a 5 - 1 score when they erupted for a five - spot in the fourth inning. Russell Branyan was hit by a pitch, Matt LaPorta walked, and Luis Valbuena singled to load the bases with nobody out. The Tigers then fell apart defensively as Brandon Inge failed to glove a grounder at third and Carlos Guillen made a throwing error from his second base position. Those two miscues cost the home team a total of three tallies, and they also set up more scoring from the Tribe. Before the frame was over, Shin - Soo Choo had hit a RBI double and Travis Hafner had plated a run via a groundout.
The Indians' 6 - 5 advantage didn't last long thanks to Magglio Ordonez and the rest of the Detroit offense. Ordonez knocked in five runs with a triple, a double, and a homer, and his three - run shot in the seventh put the game away.
David Huff allowed five runs in three innings, but that news was secondary to the fact that he was pitching just four days after taking a line drive off his head.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Narrowly Escapes Being on Wrong Side of History
6 - 2 - 10 at Detroit L, 3 - 0 19 - 32
Armando Galarraga, a little known pitcher who had spent ten years in the minor leagues, was one out away from a perfect game on a warm evening in Detroit. The crowd of more than 17,000 were on their feet when Jason Donald hit a groundball on the right side of the infield. For some reason, first - baseman Miguel Cabrera ranged far to his right to scoop up the bouncer in front of second - baseman Carlos Guillen. Cabrera's throw to Galarraga still beat Donald, and the Tigers and their fans began celebrating baseball history. However, one guy in the ballpark thought differently, and that was first base umpire Jim Joyce, who called Donald safe at first, ending the perfect game and the no - hitter. Although Galarraga retired the next batter, cementing a Detroit win, the game still left a bitter taste in the mouths of all who participated in it.
The play has quickly become one of the more controversial in decades. I think there is a simple explanation for all of this; the perfecto simply was not meant to be. How else do you explain Cabrera's actions on the play? In a normal situation, Cabrera, who is not known for his defensive abilities, would have allowed Guillen to field the ball because he had a better angle on the play. Yet, for some reason, Cabrera tried to play the role of hero, and the play became closer than it should have been. The second question is why did Jim Joyce, one of the best umps in baseball, miss the call? Joyce had a great view, and he still called Donald safe even though it was apparent that Donald did not beat the throw.
All of this adds up to a frustrating near - perfecto by Galarraga, and another dissapointing loss for the Tribe.
Armando Galarraga, a little known pitcher who had spent ten years in the minor leagues, was one out away from a perfect game on a warm evening in Detroit. The crowd of more than 17,000 were on their feet when Jason Donald hit a groundball on the right side of the infield. For some reason, first - baseman Miguel Cabrera ranged far to his right to scoop up the bouncer in front of second - baseman Carlos Guillen. Cabrera's throw to Galarraga still beat Donald, and the Tigers and their fans began celebrating baseball history. However, one guy in the ballpark thought differently, and that was first base umpire Jim Joyce, who called Donald safe at first, ending the perfect game and the no - hitter. Although Galarraga retired the next batter, cementing a Detroit win, the game still left a bitter taste in the mouths of all who participated in it.
The play has quickly become one of the more controversial in decades. I think there is a simple explanation for all of this; the perfecto simply was not meant to be. How else do you explain Cabrera's actions on the play? In a normal situation, Cabrera, who is not known for his defensive abilities, would have allowed Guillen to field the ball because he had a better angle on the play. Yet, for some reason, Cabrera tried to play the role of hero, and the play became closer than it should have been. The second question is why did Jim Joyce, one of the best umps in baseball, miss the call? Joyce had a great view, and he still called Donald safe even though it was apparent that Donald did not beat the throw.
All of this adds up to a frustrating near - perfecto by Galarraga, and another dissapointing loss for the Tribe.
Cleveland Indians: Tribe Hangs on for Win in MoTown
6 - 1 - 10 at Detroit W, 3 - 2 19 - 31
The Indians' bullpen was in desperate need of rest following a disastrous weekend in New York, and they got it in the form of Jake Westbrook. The Tribe's ace, who is still battling back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, held the Tigers to just one run in seven and two - thirds innings as he earned his third win of the campaign.
Detroit did strike first, though, on a single up the middle by Carlos Guillen. The ball deflected off the glove of Cleveland shortstop Jason Donald, allowing Miguel Cabrera to score from second base.
The Indians came back to grab the lead in the middle frames on the strength of the gopher ball. Russell Branyan hit a solo shot to right in the fifth, and Shin - Soo Choo did the same in sixth, giving the Tribe a slim one - run lead.
Mark Grudzielanek gave Cleveland a huge insurance tally with his two - out RBI single into left, and that hit appeared even larger in the ninth inning.
After Chris Perez came on to get out of a jam in the eighth, it was up to Kerry Wood to nail down the final three outs, but he almost blew another save, although this one would not have been his fault. Wood picked up two quick outs before Branyan let a Guillen grounder roll right between his legs. Sensing an opportunity, the Tigers quickly got back in the game. Brandon Inge walked and Alex Avila hit a RBI single to right, putting the tying and winning runs on base. Wood refused to cave in, however, and he retired Ramon Santiago on a soft fly to left.
The Indians' bullpen was in desperate need of rest following a disastrous weekend in New York, and they got it in the form of Jake Westbrook. The Tribe's ace, who is still battling back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery, held the Tigers to just one run in seven and two - thirds innings as he earned his third win of the campaign.
Detroit did strike first, though, on a single up the middle by Carlos Guillen. The ball deflected off the glove of Cleveland shortstop Jason Donald, allowing Miguel Cabrera to score from second base.
The Indians came back to grab the lead in the middle frames on the strength of the gopher ball. Russell Branyan hit a solo shot to right in the fifth, and Shin - Soo Choo did the same in sixth, giving the Tribe a slim one - run lead.
Mark Grudzielanek gave Cleveland a huge insurance tally with his two - out RBI single into left, and that hit appeared even larger in the ninth inning.
After Chris Perez came on to get out of a jam in the eighth, it was up to Kerry Wood to nail down the final three outs, but he almost blew another save, although this one would not have been his fault. Wood picked up two quick outs before Branyan let a Guillen grounder roll right between his legs. Sensing an opportunity, the Tigers quickly got back in the game. Brandon Inge walked and Alex Avila hit a RBI single to right, putting the tying and winning runs on base. Wood refused to cave in, however, and he retired Ramon Santiago on a soft fly to left.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Cleveland Indians: Yankees Turn Close Game into Rout
5 - 31 - 10 at New York Yankees L, 11 - 2 18 - 31
Entering the seventh inning on Memorial Day, it appeared as if the Indians might win their second game of the series as they only trailed by one run. However, the Tribe's bullpen allowed nine more tallies and the game was quickly turned into a laugher.
A two - out RBI single off the bat of Alex Rodriguez in the first gave the Yanks an early advantage, but it did not last long. Jhonny Peralta launched a solo home run to right - center field in the second that tied the game at one.
Cleveland's rookie sensation, Mitch Talbot, got himself into some trouble in the fourth when he allowed a lead - off double by Nick Swisher. Talbot nearly worked out of the situation, but with two down, Brett Gardner delivered a run - scoring single that gave New York the advantage for good.
The game remained at 2 - 1 until that fateful seventh frame. Mitch left the contest after surrendering a pair of one - out singles to Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson. Rafael Perez walked Mark Teixeira which brought Rodriguez to the plate with the bases loaded. Manny Acta decided to get a righty - righty matchup by bringing on Chris Perez to pitch to A - Rod. That did not matter, though, as the Yankee slugger belted a grand slam to center. The Yanks would go on to add two more runs that inning and three more in the eighth, but after Rodriguez's blast, the game was never in doubt.
Showing tremendous character in the ninth, the Tribe put together a mini - rally that plated one run. With two outs, Travis Hafner kept slim hope alive by drawing a walk, and Peralta did the same by singling. Shelley Duncan then hit a RBI single to center before Matt LaPorta struck out to end the ballgame.
The winning pitcher was Andy Pettite while Talbot took the loss.
Entering the seventh inning on Memorial Day, it appeared as if the Indians might win their second game of the series as they only trailed by one run. However, the Tribe's bullpen allowed nine more tallies and the game was quickly turned into a laugher.
A two - out RBI single off the bat of Alex Rodriguez in the first gave the Yanks an early advantage, but it did not last long. Jhonny Peralta launched a solo home run to right - center field in the second that tied the game at one.
Cleveland's rookie sensation, Mitch Talbot, got himself into some trouble in the fourth when he allowed a lead - off double by Nick Swisher. Talbot nearly worked out of the situation, but with two down, Brett Gardner delivered a run - scoring single that gave New York the advantage for good.
The game remained at 2 - 1 until that fateful seventh frame. Mitch left the contest after surrendering a pair of one - out singles to Derek Jeter and Curtis Granderson. Rafael Perez walked Mark Teixeira which brought Rodriguez to the plate with the bases loaded. Manny Acta decided to get a righty - righty matchup by bringing on Chris Perez to pitch to A - Rod. That did not matter, though, as the Yankee slugger belted a grand slam to center. The Yanks would go on to add two more runs that inning and three more in the eighth, but after Rodriguez's blast, the game was never in doubt.
Showing tremendous character in the ninth, the Tribe put together a mini - rally that plated one run. With two outs, Travis Hafner kept slim hope alive by drawing a walk, and Peralta did the same by singling. Shelley Duncan then hit a RBI single to center before Matt LaPorta struck out to end the ballgame.
The winning pitcher was Andy Pettite while Talbot took the loss.
Cleveland Indians: Bullpen Coughs up Lead in Seventh
5 - 30 - 10 at New York Yankees L, 7 - 3 18 - 30
In order to eke out a win in game two of their series against the Yankees, the Indians had to force a lot of innings out of their bullpen, and that came back to haunt them the following day. The Tribe took a 3 - 0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but the pen imploded, and New York came back to win.
Cleveland took their early advantage behind stellar pitching from the beleagured Justin Masterson, and by producing big hits in the clutch. In the third, Lou Marson led off by singling and he was sacrificed to second base by Jason Donald. That enabled Marson to score on Trevor Crowe's flair single to left - center field. The Indians were able to pick up their other two tallies in the seventh. With two outs, Luis Valbuena was hit by a pitch and then he proceeded to steal second. That was critical because Valbuena was then able to score on a rare Derek Jeter throwing error. Jason Donald followed with a RBI triple off the wall in deep right, and it appeared as if the Tribe had enough offense to win.
In the last of the seventh, though, Masterson ran out of gas. However, he was one strike away from getting out of the frame, but he served up a pitch that Jeter lined into center for a two - run single. Tony Sipp was summoned to relieve Masterson, and he wound up allowing a double and a three - run, go -ahead homer off the bat of Mark Teixeira.
The Bronx Bombers would go on to add two more runs, and A.J. Burnett took the win for the home team.
In order to eke out a win in game two of their series against the Yankees, the Indians had to force a lot of innings out of their bullpen, and that came back to haunt them the following day. The Tribe took a 3 - 0 lead into the bottom of the seventh, but the pen imploded, and New York came back to win.
Cleveland took their early advantage behind stellar pitching from the beleagured Justin Masterson, and by producing big hits in the clutch. In the third, Lou Marson led off by singling and he was sacrificed to second base by Jason Donald. That enabled Marson to score on Trevor Crowe's flair single to left - center field. The Indians were able to pick up their other two tallies in the seventh. With two outs, Luis Valbuena was hit by a pitch and then he proceeded to steal second. That was critical because Valbuena was then able to score on a rare Derek Jeter throwing error. Jason Donald followed with a RBI triple off the wall in deep right, and it appeared as if the Tribe had enough offense to win.
In the last of the seventh, though, Masterson ran out of gas. However, he was one strike away from getting out of the frame, but he served up a pitch that Jeter lined into center for a two - run single. Tony Sipp was summoned to relieve Masterson, and he wound up allowing a double and a three - run, go -ahead homer off the bat of Mark Teixeira.
The Bronx Bombers would go on to add two more runs, and A.J. Burnett took the win for the home team.
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