Author’s Note: Sorry about the late delay; our internet/cable went out last night.

With shades of former fringe big league starters dancing about, rookie Tribe right-hander Cody Anderson once again toed the ledge of disaster without crossing the “no-return” point on Thursday night. The former 14th rounder coughed up 10 hits – two of which were extra-base knocks – in six-plus innings as the Indians pulled within one game of .500 – again.

Anderson finished the game with 6.1 innings, just four punch outs without allowing a walk. The sole damage done by the Twinkies is thanks to a Torii Hunter solo homerun.

For the season, Anderson, who is sporting a 6-and-3 record through his first 14 big league starts, is averaging a lowly 4.48 strikeouts per nine innings this season. To put that into proper perspective – and perhaps a glimpse into his future as a starting pitcher – there has been 81 qualified starting pitchers since 2000 to average 4.5 K/9 in a season; fewer than 10 of those posted a FIP below 4.00.

Typically reliable setup man Bryan Shaw coughed up a pair of runs on a two-run homer by Eddie Rosario, his 12th of the season. Cody Allen nailed down a perfect ninth inning for his 32nd save.

The Tribe’s offensive stars last night include: a three-hit night by Francisco Linder, who was batting in the three-hole; and a hit for each of the following: Jason Kipnis, Jose Ramirez, Carlos Santana, Yan Gomes, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Chris Johnson.

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