Some years ago people said 3 D glasses were bad for the eyes. Proof positive came today as the Indians lost ugly to Tampa Bay 7-6 and ruined Zach Mac’s Happy Meal Day.
Three runs in the 9th off All-Star closer Chris Perez sealed the defeat but the real cause came from 4 unearned runs thanks to shoddy defense by Asdrubal.
The Indians led 5-0 with 1 out in the Rays’ 6th when Cabrera, on the 2B side for a shift, underhanded his throw on a slow roller which Carlos Pena beat to the bag. Ben Zobrist then grounded to Kipnis who threw to Cabrera at second for the force but Asdrubal dropped the ball. The lazy error proved costly.
Zach McAllister, rattled by defensive mistakes in his last start against the Angels, repeated history and gave up a pair of 2-run doubles and the Rays were back in the game at 5-4. McAllister actually pitched well to that point and struck out 8 in 5.2 IP to continue his recent improvement (3-1, 3.40). He’s allowed 3 or fewer ERs in 6 of 7 starts and his velocity and command, especially of a change and curve, are markedly better.
Good Stuff
— Kotchman notched 3 hits and 3 rbi, including his 8th HR
— Police are searching for the impostor using his jersey on the field the past 2 weeks
— Brantley also had 3 hits
— Choo, Kipnis and Damon added two apiece
Other
— Perez entered the game with 24 straight saves dating back to the Opening Day Meltdown. He was due for a clunker although recently he’s given up taters to the light hitting Will Rhymes (2d career) and rookie Xavier Avery (1st career). Not good.
— A lost opportunity as Toronto beat the White Sox. The Indians trail Chicago by 3 and lead surging Detroit by only a half game.