It used to be so hard to get to .500, and when we finally got there it seemed as though we were poised to make a run. As usual though, the Indians had something different in mind than their fan base did. Cleveland has not been able to eclipse the .500 mark, thus hurting their slim wild card chances. We are now 4.5 out of the 2nd spot, and every game seems like a must win. But in honor of Yogi Berra, I will add a ‘Yogi-ism’ for the Indians in that it ain’t over ’till it’s over.
The good news for the Tribe is that ace Corey Kluber (8-14, 3.44) toes the rubber tonight against Phil Hughes (10-9, 4.58) who has not pitched well this year. Some bad news for the Indians is that the Twins are also in the wild card race and need wins to stay in the race. Luckily for both teams, the team they are chasing, the Astros, are losing right now to the Angels. The Indians offense looks to bounce back after looking flat the night before. Michael Brantley, who injured his shoulder does not look to be healthy enough for this game. Here are the rest of the lineups for tonight’s ball game:
Indians | Twins | ||
2B
|
Jason Kipnis |
CF
|
Aaron Hicks |
3B
|
Jose Ramirez |
2B
|
Brian Dozier |
SS
|
Francisco Lindor |
1B
|
Joe Mauer |
1B
|
Carlos Santana |
DH
|
Miguel Sano |
C
|
Yan Gomes |
3B
|
Trevor Plouffe |
RF
|
Lonnie Chisenhall |
LF
|
Eddie Rosario |
DH
|
Roberto Perez |
RF
|
Torii Hunter/td> |
CF
|
Abraham Almonte |
C
|
Kurt Suzuki |
LF
|
Mike Aviles |
SS
|
Eduardo Escobar |
SP
|
Corey Kluber |
SP
|
Phil Hughes |