Tuesday, April 18, 2017

Back to the Win Column! Tribe 3, Twins 1

The Cleveland Indians won for just the third time in their last ten games, but hopefully, this win gets things turned around. The pitching kept the Twins' lineup in check and the Cleveland offense started to find their groove a bit, as the Indians defeated the Twins 3-1 on Monday night to improve to 6-7.

Solid Starting Pitching
The Tribe have struggled with consistency issues at both the plate and on the mound, so this win was a welcome sight for sore eyes. It all started with solid pitching from Cleveland starter Danny Salazar. Salazar kept the ball down, expanded the strike zone numerous times and went deep into the game. That's all you can ask of a starter every five days. Salazar earned his first win of the season by tossing a gem, pitching six innings of one-run ball while striking out seven and walking two.

Michael Brantley
Clutch Hits
The lineup went 9-for-36 in this game, which equates to a .250 average. In most cases, that would only be decent for a Major League batting order, but considering the Tribe's struggles at the dish through the first 12 games of the season, it was an encouraging sign. Michael Brantley led the way with a pair of RBI, including a solo home run to right center in the 5th that cleared the high wall. The blast gave the Indians a 3-1 lead, which would end up being the final margin. Yan Gomes also went 1-for-3 in the ballgame. It might not sound like much, but he smoked a pitch into left-center for a base hit, and also scored a run. Hopefully, that builds his confidence. Overall, it was a solid night for the Indians at the plate considering the struggles they have had.


Cody Allen
Sticky Situation
Being a closer has to be one of the toughest jobs in sports. I know what you're thinking: How hard can getting a measly three outs be, right? Just ask Cody Allen. While most closers would crumble, the steely righty escaped a bases-loaded jam with two outs by getting Minnesota slugger Joe Mauer to fly out to center, as Allen recorded his third save.

Next up
The Indians look to win their second straight game against the Twins. Josh Tomlin takes the hill, but it might not be easy, as he's been rocked in two starts. He hasn't made it further than the fourth inning in either start and is currently saddled with a hideous 18.47 ERA. Reports state Pitching Coach Mickey Callaway has worked with Tomlin to remedy some issues with his mechanics. Here's to hoping he turns things around tomorrow night. First pitch is set for 8:10 p.m. on SportsTime Ohio.

Pitching Probables
RHP Josh Tomlin (0-2, 18.47 ERA) vs. RHP Phil Hughes (2-0, 3.86 ERA)

WP: Danny Salazar (1-1)
LP: Kyle Gibson (0-2)
SV: Allen (3)

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