Things have been tough lately for Indians fans. Heading into this afternoon’s game, the Tribe had lost six straight, were eight games out of first place in the AL Central, and were on the verge of getting swept for a second straight series. Not only that, they were also giving fans everywhere some serious headaches, myself included. There’s only one remedy that could give Cleveland fans a glimmer of hope in turning this season around. That remedy is a big win, and the Tribe gave that to us. Now, I’m not saying that this win will propel us to a 20-game win streak, however, it’s a win that could turn this sloppy play into productive, winning baseball. The Indians finally showed some grit and determination in coming from behind to beat the Angels today.
Taking the mound for the Indians was team ace Justin Masterson. Unfortunately for the Tribe, he didn’t pitch the way an ace should. Masterson only lasted 4.1 innings, giving up 5 runs with 4 of them being earned. It was a less than stellar outing for Masterson, and 4 runs later in the 4th inning, it seemed as though another sweep was in the near future. With the recent play of the Indians, it was not unreasonable to think that 4 runs would be too much to overcome. However, this was not the case.
As I said, things were looking bleak for the Tribe in the bottom of the sixth inning. We were down four runs, the energy was low, and somehow, Jerome Williams was pitching like a top of the rotation stud. That low energy was quickly reversed when the high-energy Nick Swisher stepped up to the plate and drilled a two-run bomb to left center field. Two batters later, Mike Aviles strutted to the plate to produce the same exact outcome as Swish, and suddenly, the Tribe was back in the game. The Indians completed the comeback with a third home run from Carlos Santana, and a Michael Bourn single that drove in Lonnie Chisenhall.
It was great to finally see this team give the fans what they wanted. After a sweep at the hands of the Tigers, it was the least they could do. Looking ahead, the Tribe opens a three game set against the Minnesota Twins.
cabrera getting tossed was the best thing that could have happened to us today. how he didnt get charged with an error on the sure DP ball is beyond me. and then that hit that went up the middle in the same inning, it looked like he was giving about 30% effort on that. just pathetic in all facets of the game. there is absolutely no legitmate explanation for his continued presence in the lineup.
Think it would be a decent idea to sit him for a few games. He’s looking pretty lost at the plate and in the field. Hopefully he’ll rebound and increase his trade value over the offseason.
I am now on the call up Lindor bandwagon. Getting him some quality AB’s/experience this season will make the jump next year much easier even if he struggles some (see Trout in 2011).
Hopefully this win will give them some confidence back and they can start playing solid ball again.
Hopefully they can pull off sweeps vs Minny because then it is back into the grinder with Oakland and LA then ATL, Detroit, Baltimore (early Sept) to finish the month. Yeesh.
They need to shake the funk, that’s for sure. I agree that asdrubal could use some bench time, but I will be surprised if Tito does it.
aaaaaaand i’m done…after losing a 2 hit CG against a thoroughly unremarkable pitcher (although he is a countryman) this team doesn’t have it. i feel so defeated knowing that the “post-ASG collapse” prophets were right. by the end of the night, we may be in 3rd place in the division. 🙁