Keys to the game (5/23)

Keys to the game-

1.) Bounce back. After a few extra days of rest, Carlos Carrasco takes the mound tonight ready to get back to his winning was. This comes as a huge relief to Indians fans after watching him leaves his last start in the 4^th inning with some discomfort. Carrasco has been by far our most consistent starter so far this season. His 4-2 record, 2.60 ERA, 52 K’s in 52 innings of work are both impressive and reassuring. Historically he has pitched well enough against the Reds (2-0 with a 4.09 ERA), but they are a much stronger offense then we have seen from them in a while. Last night we saw just how put together their line up is. They have power, they have speed, and they know how to manufacture runs. We need Hot Sauce to limit their run production and slow their offense.

2.) We are going to have to put runs on the board. The Cincinnati Reds are averaging a little over 5 runs per game. As silly as it sounds, they win ballgames by outscoring their opponents. I know. I know… that is how any team wins games. But it is especially true when it comes to the Reds because their pitching staff is in such disarray. The revolving door of rookie starters have struggled, with Amir Garrett being no exception. The 25 year old rookie has a 3-3 record with a 5.18 ERA in 40 innings pitched. When a pitchers ERA is over 5, but they still carry an average record- it shows that they are receiving pretty good run support. Don’t get me wrong; Garrett has made some solid starts. But he is not a pitcher that the Tribe should struggle with. If I have said it once, I have said it 1,000 times… small ball wins ballgames! We have got to not only get runners in scoring position, but also get those runners home.

3.) Be ready for Hamilton to run. While he did not attempt to steal a base in last nights game, that makes it all the more likely that he will try in tonight’s game. There is no denying it; Hamilton is one of the fastest in the game. He has the ability to get himself into scoring position. We have to make sure that we do not allow him the opportunity to run freely without fear of consequences. 20 have attempted stealing a base on Yan Gomes this season, 11 of them have been caught. That .550 caught stealing % rate is the best in all of baseball. His reputation precedes him; you do not run on Gomes! So if Hamilton tries to test that, he better live up to the hype!