The Indians proved conclusively that their young pitcher was better than the Tigers’.

Trevor Bauer, who seems to be trying to portray an aura of intense calm but performs like a nervous wreck, was able to get his act together Thursday night and throttle the once-mighty Detroit Tigers. Indians 9, Tigers 4.

It completed the Indians second sweep of Detroit this season, a radical departure from their record against the Tigers in recent seasons.

Also troubling for the Tigers was the struggle of rookie pitcher Michael Fulmer, a middling prospect who nonetheless is the top dog on the Detroit Farm, to which he might return soon. Fulmer gave up four first-inning runs. He seemed to settle down a bit but never dominated the Indians hitters.

Meanwhile, Bauer was wild but effective. He consistently missed the target offered by catcher Chris Gimenez but still got weak contact from a majority of Detroit hitters. We might never know is that was because Bauer was ignoring his catcher or just lucky and so unpredictable the Tigers couldn’t figure him out. The right-hander has been known to defy authority and Gimenez, acquired Thursday from the Rangers, hardly is more of an authority than the Indians coaches who also have been snubbed by Bauer. He allowed only three hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings.

Suddenly, the Indians are tied with the Tigers and Royals for second place, 4 games behind the White Sox.

The Royals come to Progressive Field at 7:10 p.m. Friday for the first of three games.

3 Comments

  • Peter says:

    Bauer makes me so nervous to watch. I always feel like he is one pitch from falling apart. This was a good game for him, pitching with the lead the entire time.

  • Michael Strozewski says:

    Maybe this is my personality, but I love watching Bauer for that exact same reason. He’s like watching one of the Wallendas walking a tightrope without a net. Is he going to make it? I don’t know, better keep watching…