Hannah's Keys to the Game 4/20 Indians @ Twins

1:10 p.m. - Cleveland Indians (7-7) @ Minnesota Twins (7-7)
TV: SportstimeOhio 
Radio: WTAM 1100

Hannah's three keys

Yandy Diaz

1.) No more errors

Sure, winning 11-4 is cause for celebration, especially after our recent offensive struggles. We saw a lot of good things last night, from offensive production to a good outing from Josh Tomlin. But, one stat from last night’s game we have to take note of is the Indians' defense recorded three errors. I am perfectly aware we rarely see our defense commit an error, let alone three in one game. (Editor's note: The Indians committed just three errors in the first 13 games, before committing three in one game the other night). I know mentioning the defensive mistakes committed in last night’s game while we are enjoying the victory seems nit picky, but we don’t want to assume just because errors did not cost us the game last night that that will always be the case. We need to make sure our defense refocuses and gets back to playing error-less defense. Don’t give the Twins extra chances. No freebies.

2.) From the top of the lineup to the bottom
We got to see the offense do something on Tuesday that we have been waiting to see all season. We saw production from the top to the bottom and we saw it throughout the entire game. We were able to score at least one run in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 9th inning. We saw small ball, we saw long ball, we saw hitting streaks continue and hopefully we saw hitting streaks beginning. We want to see the same kind of confidence and production in tonight’s game against Ervin Santana. Santana is 3-0 with a 0.41 ERA in 22 innings pitched so far this season. Those are some pretty fantastic numbers. He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball so far. Do you know what I think when I see those stats? I think that he is due for a poor start and I think our boys should be the one to hand it to him. It is important to shrink his strike zone and have meaningful at bats. If push comes to shove, work his pitch count up and get into their pen. 

3.) Bauer needs the win
In order for him to win, however, he is going to need to trust his catcher and make adjustments as the game goes on. While Bauer has pitched reasonably well at the beginning of both of his previous starts, he imploded in the 5th or 6th inning in both games. Those struggles have led to a 0-2 record with an 8.44 ERA. The frustrating thing about Bauer is he has everything he needs to be a solid and consistent pitcher., but he gets in his own head and in his own way. We need him to follow Josh Tomlin's example from last night and turn it around against the Twins. They will try to come out and score early, but they also will be making adjustments as the game continues. Bauer must do the same.

Let’s focus on winning this game!