Can Justin Masterson buy a W?

For the 10th time in the past two seasons, Masterson went at least 7 innings while allowing two or fewer runs and came away with nothing to show for it. Tim Lincecum has nine such games in that span, and no else has more than seven.

The lack of run support for Masterson is starting to get old, and it absolutely must change if the Indians are going to compete in the AL Central. Unfortunately, there’s no easily solution. How to you go about telling a team to improve their performance once every five days?

On the bright side, it was easily Masterson’s best performance since opening day (another Indians loss) and was the second straight game in which he looked reasonably close to his 2011 form. If he can build upon this performance, the wins will come.

A few other thoughts and notes on the game…

  • Why was Jeremy Accardo in the game today? A 1-0 game in the 8th inning doesn’t seem to be the appropriate time to bring in your journeyman middle reliever. Vinnie Pestano hasn’t pitched since June 6th; assuming he’s healthy, he needs to be in the game in that situation. I really hope this doesn’t mean Acta is going to use Perez and Pestano exclusively in save/hold situations. That’s no way to use a bullpen.
  • Michael Brantley extended his hit streak to 17 games. Since 2000, the Indians have had just six longer streaks, including his own 19-game streak in 2010. The last Indians centerfielder, other than Brantley, with a hit streak longer than 17 games was Brett Butler‘s 19-game streak in 1987.
  • The Indians are set to face Joe Kelly on Sunday, who will be making his major league debut for the Cardinals. The Tribe is 0-3 this season against pitchers making their 1st or 2nd career start.

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