May 19th, 2013 at 4:54 PM
By Brett Gibson
It has gotten to the point in this young season where Tribe fans expect to beat other teams aces. Cleveland defeated Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners for the third straight time in this four game series 6-0 on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon in down town Cleveland. Tribe ace Justin Masterson continued his dominance with a season high 11 strike outs through 7 shut out innings.
Felix Hernandez, the seventh Cy Young winner to fall to the Tribe this season, had a forgettable start for the Seattle Mariners as he surrendered 5 earned runs and was pulled in the sixth. Hernandez did not receive much help as Seattle had multiple sloppy plays throughout the game which helped lead Cleveland on the scoreboard first.
Seattle right fielder Michael Morse took his time getting to a routine single by Michael Bourn which led to Bourn turning a single into a double. Brantley would later drive in Bourn for the first run of the game in the bottom of the first. Mike Aviles also had a great hustle play later in the game as Seattle's catch was off the plate which allowed Aviles to score from second base on a heads up play.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 12th, 2013 at 7:24 PM
By Brett Gibson
Throughout the Indians current win streak, the team has played fundamental baseball in every aspect. Strong pitching, solid defense, and clutch two out hits with runners in scoring position have all combined to lead Cleveland to the top of the A.L. Central division right next to Detroit.
The Indians won on Sunday afternoon 4-3 in a gritty extra inning game between their A.L. Central rival Detroit. Cleveland's starter Zach McAllister battled his way through six innings against a rival tough Detroit lineup featuring both Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder in the heart of the order.
Jason Kipnis provided another clutch 2 out double to bring in 2 runs in the third, but the Indians squandered numerous opportunities up until their final at bat to tie the game. Indians' manager Terry Francona brought in the speedy Michael Bourn to pinch hit for Ryan Raburn. Tigers' closer Valverde walked Bourn, who then easily stole second to get in scoring position. Michael Brantley came to the rescue for Cleveland with his 2 out single to drive in Bourn which forced extra innings.
Read more... Join the Conversation... May 2nd, 2013 at 9:35 PM
By Brett GibsonTribe fans have heard all the hype about top prospect Trevor Bauer who they acquired this off season in the three team deal which had Shin-Soo Choo landing with the Cincinnati Reds. Bauer, who made his season debut earlier in Tampa Bay, gave up just one infield hit through five innings on Wednesday night. However, Bauer allowed six walks to go along with his five strike outs as the Indians completed there two game sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies 6-0. This was also the first game former Tribe Cy Young winner Cliff Lee pitched in Cleveland since being traded in 2009. Control has been an issue for Bauer in both his major league appearances this year, but there is no question he has the talent to be a number one starter.
Bauer was sent back down to tripe A Columbus after the game, but we can certainly expect to see him up with the Indians this summer if not sooner. Brett Myers has already gone down with an injury, and who knows how Ubaldo Jiminez and Scott Kazmir will fare for the remainder of the season.
Ryan Raburn continued his hot streak by adding his third four hit game in a row, with four of those twelve hits being home runs.
Read more... Join the Conversation... April 14th, 2013 at 8:15 PM
By Brett Gibson
In a long 162 game season, teams often try to look for positives in a loss. The Indians should be able to do that despite scoring just one run against Jake Peavy of the White Sox. Peavy pitched a great game for Chicago, and Cleveland's Brett Myers fed off of both Masterson and McAllister's strong starts in the series. Myers' made one mistake in the sixth inning to Paul Konerko, who launched a two run homer to give Chicago a 2-1 lead as Myers' walked Adam Dunn prior to Konerko's homer.
Indians' set up man Vinnie Pestano gave up a solo home run in the eighth inning to Alejandro De Aza as an insurance run. That would be more than Chicago needed as the Indians did not score another run after Michael Bourn's lead off solo homer to start the game.
Myers' had struggled all spring training, and in his first two appearances with the Tribe, serving up 7 home runs in just 10 innings. Myers' must rely on location as he does not have the velocity to blow it by hitters, and accomplished that in todays start as he kept his pitches low and on the corners for the majority of his start.
Read more... Join the Conversation... April 7th, 2013 at 8:09 PM
By Brett Gibson
Despite the Opening series win over the revamped Toronto Blue Jays, the Indians returned to old form in the first two games against the Tampa Bay Rays. Cleveland faced their 4 and 5 starters on Friday and Saturday and did not produce a single run. To make matters worse, Tampa's ace and reigning AL Cy Young winner David Price was on the mound Sunday Afternoon at Tropicana Field.
The outcome could not have been much better for the Tribe as they blasted Price and the Rays for 13 runs, while turning in a 4 hit shutout on their end. Masterson went 7 strong innings while giving up just 2 hits. It was the type of performance needed by the club's ace.
Mark Reynolds continued his power display with 2 more home runs today, including one to dead center. This is a welcoming sign to a club who has lacked a true right handed power bat for many years.
Catcher Carlos Santana also had a coming out party with 5 hits including a homer. Santana is a key component in the middle of the Indians lineup who needs to stay consistent.
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