Player of the Game
It shows how incredible Corey Kluber has been that he has jaded us into thinking that an eight inning, one run start is subpar, but compared to his last two, this one was a little lackluster. Kluber allowed nine hits and struck out just seven, but was able to work threw some tough situations with clutch K’s, a fortuitous double play and a runner caught stealing. Most importantly, the Indians were able to give him just the meager amount of run support possible, allowing him to earn his second win of the season.
Kluber now has pitched at least eight inning in his last three starts, allowing two total runs and striking out 37. He now has 83 strike outs on the season to lead all of baseball. This is also his third straight Player of the Game award (although his lowest score of the three games) and his team high fifth of the season, tied with Michael Brantley, Brandon Moss and Trevor Bauer.
Feathers Up
The Indians were the beneficiary of some shady defense in the sixth inning when a dropped ball by right fielder Brennan Boesch allowed Jason Kipnis to reach base with two outs. Carlos Santana then worked a 3-2 (or was it 2-2) walk to move him to second. In the clutch, number three hitter, David Murphy sharply hit a ground ball through the pitcher and up the middle to score Kipnis and tie the game at one. Just as the Reds gave, however, they took away as Joey Votto robbed Brandon Moss from an RBI hit by showing off his hops at first base.
Just in time for Yan Gomes to come back (he is scheduled to start tomorrow, Roberto Perez has finally begun playing at a closer level to his full potential. After allowing base runners to steal 17 of the first 20 attempts against him, he has caught five of the last seven including nabbing Billy Hamilton at a big juncture today. He has been more patient at the plate as well and, despite going 0/2 today, has five walks in his last four games.
Slightly making up for Kluber’s last start, the Indians actually scored a run during the eighth inning tonight with the score tied at one. Roberto Perez walked to start the inning, after which Michael Bourn made the thoughtless decision to bunt him to second, succeeding in getting the lead runner out at second and replacing him at first. Luckily for the Tribe, Jason Kipnis is still red hot and his opposite field double sent Bourn flying around the bases. His helmet flew off turning around third and he scored from first without a throw, giving the Indians their first lead of the day.
Feathers Down
The Indians offense continues to struggle to support Kluber and this time they can’t blame having to face an incredible starter like Michael Wacha or Chris Sale. Anthony DeSclafini started for the Reds today and allowed just three hits and one run while striking out six in seven innings. After his removal, the Indians did get one more run off Tony Cingrani, but this marks three games in a row with two or less runs scored behind Kluber and they have averaged just two runs per start on the year when he pitches.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 – Cincinnati Reds 1
On Deck: The Indians will finish up the first Battle of Ohio of the year with a 1:05 PM start tomorrow. For the Reds, regular starter Johnny Cueto is out with general stiffness and will be replaced by rookie right hander, Raisel Iglasias. For the Tribe, Trevor Bauer will be going for the series sweep and a six game hitting streak.
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