Cleveland Indians: Rockies Outlast the Tribe

6-20-11     vs. Colorado     L, 8-7     39-32

     Fausto Carmona appeared to be turning his season around. 
     The big right-hander, despite not having a quality start since May 8th, had won his most recent outing, and he cruised through the 1st 4 innings on Monday night. 

     In the 5th, Carmona quickly retired the 1st 2 batters. 

     He would not record another out. 

     The Rockies, aided by Troy Tulowitzki's 2-run double that hit the 3rd base bag, exploded for 6 runs.  Jason Giambi's 3-run blast finished Carmona, who watched his record dip to 4-9.

     Prior to Carmona's meltdown, the Tribe enjoyed a 4-1 cushion thanks to a pair of long balls.  Travis Hafner lined a 3-run homer into the right field bleachers in the 1st, and Carlos Santana squeezed a solo shot inside the right field foul pole in the 4th.

     The Indians could have thrown in the proverbial towel following that brutal top of the 5th, but they battled back valiantly.  Shin-Soo Choo flaired a 2-out, 2-run single to left-center in the bottom of the frame, and the Rockies' lead was trimmed to 1.

     This wild and unpredictable game would have 2 more critical moments.
     First, Lou Marson airmailed a throw to 1st base as he tried to catch the base runner napping in the 8th.  The errant delivery rolled down the line, enabling a key insurance run to cross home plate.
     Then, Cord Phelps delivered a timely RBI single in the last of the 8th.  However, Phelps was thrown out at 2nd attempting to move up 90 feet on the throw to the plate.  In actuality, though, Phelps was safe, but what was a terrible call robbed the Indians of a chance to even the score.

     Ultimately, the Tribe was unable to overcome that blown call and Carmona's horrendous start.

The Indians must decide if they can allow Carmona to pitch, and lose, every 5th day