Hannah's Keys to the Game 4/18 Indians @ Twins

Hannah's Three Keys
1.) Tiptoe around trouble
The Indians pitching staff tiptoed around disaster more than once in last night’s game. Between the nine hits and four walks the Twins had, they had several opportunities to do damage. But, our pitching staff was able to hold them to just one run. Was it hard on the blood pressure of every fan watching? absolutely! At the end of the day, they were able to work their way out of trouble and found themselves in the win column. Josh Tomlin takes the mound tonight for the Tribe. It is apparent by his 0-2 record and 18.47 ERA (yikes!), that tiptoeing may not be his forte. But the Minnesota Twins team is struggling offensively, so if there ever was a time for Josh Tomlin to capitalize and find his footing -- it’s tonight. Keep the ball down! Settle in early and (I am serious, Tomlin!) don’t leave pitches up and over the plate. 

2.) Play fundamentally clean defense
I would be remiss if I did not give credit to our defense for the role they played in last night’s victory. If the boys fielding behind the mound had not played fundamentally clean defense to assist in getting out of jams, the game would have ended very differently. It is easy to take for granted good defense, because they make it look so easy and so effortless. But, if I have said it once, I have said it a million times: good defense saves ballgames. Knowing that Josh Tomlin pitches for contact, our defense needs to be ready to back him up. Stay focused on making the best play possible.
3.) Capitalize on confidence
It is no secret that Yan Gomes has been in an offensive slump, seemingly, for the last three years. Gomes won the Silver Slugger Award in 2014 but hasn't found his groove since. Sure, there have been injuries that have derailed chunks of his playing time and his defense has remained outstanding. But, his .091 batting average is concerning. He has had success against the Minnesota Twins in the past and last night we saw him have his best game so far this season at the plate, recording one hit (which in all honesty he should have two hits recorded) and reaching base 3 times. It is amazing what a little confidence can do. Our entire team has not done well swinging the bat consistently this season, but sometimes all a team needs when they are struggling is confidence (both individually and collectively). Phil Hughes takes the mound tonight for the Twins. He has a 2-0 record with a 3.86 ERA so far this season. We did not face him last season as he was sidelined due to injury, but went 2-2 against him in 2015. We have to come out tonight confident and ready to shrink the strike zone. Be decisive on the pitches you swing at and control the at bat.