The Sunshine was shining bright on the south side of Chicago.
Mike Clevinger (7 INN/5 H/2 R (1 ER)/11 SO/1 BB) mowed down the White Sox like they were his own yard. His only blemish was to Jose Abreu, who muscled out a two-run shot to right field.
He toyed with the rest of the glorified Triple-A lineup easily. The hirsute hurler hardly broke a sweat while holding serve against starter Carlos Rodon (5 INN/2 H/2 ER/4 SO/3 BB) and Chris Volstad until Jose Ramirez punched the Tribe ahead for good in the seventh with a two-run shot. He’s the first Indian to reach the 20-homer mark this season.
Hosey also made a dazzling catch and throw for a double play, erasing a runner on first. If you told me that this man walks on water, I’d probably believe you.
Aside from Ramirez’ bomb, however, it was pretty much more of the same for the struggling Tribe offense. Hits with runners in scoring position are continuing to be a bug-a-boo this month. After a May where it seemed like they couldn’t miss when they had runners on, it’s been a darn near cultural event when the feat is accomplished here in mind-June.
This is where we thank our lucky stars for having the kind of rotation that the Indians can lean on to keep them in games where they might not be able to just close their eyes and find grass. Sometimes, it still doesn’t work (like last night, ugh), but we’re in better hands on most nights than not.
The Tribe bullpen seems to be straightening themselves out as well. Neil Ramirez seems to be this era’s Brian Shaw, as the guy whom Tito trusts the most to bridge the gap to the later innings. It’s taken nearly two months, but it looks like maybe they’re finally settling in on a mix that is more trustworthy and not a horror show.
Oh yeah, Frankie Lindor lead off the game with his 15th homer. He’s so dreamy.
The Tribe heads home for the start of a long homestand tomorrow. with a weekend series against the Twins. They could really bury them for good with Corey Kluber being the guy who has a shot of driving the first nail into their coffin.
W: Mike Clevinger (5-2); L: Chris Volstad (0-2); S: Cody Allen (13)