The Tribe got one of those runs back in the next inning. �Alvarez got on base to lead off the inning again, this time with a walk. �Steve Pearce singled through the hole and into left field, moving Alvarez to second base, and a wild pitch advanced him to third base. �2B�Neil Walker bounced to the second baseman, who started a double play, but allowed Alvarez to score from third base (no RBI for Walker).
The Mud Hens responded with another run in the bottom of the frame. �CF Casper Wells led off with a single, but was thrown out by Tribe C Luke Carlin when he tried to steal second base. �Clete Thomas replaced Wells on first base with a walk, and he was successful when he went to steal second base. �Danny Worth singled up the middle, and Thomas came around to score from second base. �All 6 of the Mud Hens’ runs came off starter Jeremy Powell, who went 4 innings and allowed the 6 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks. �He struck out one batter. �Jeff Karstens pitched the next 4 innings and limited the Mud Hens to 2 hits. �Karstens retired the first 8 batters he faced, then gave up a single to Rhymes and a double to Dlugach, but ended the inning with a fly out to keep any more runs from scoring. �He also retired the side in the 8th.
The Indians’ batters threatened in the 5th inning, when singles by CF Jose Tabata and RF Brandon Jones had back-to-back singles. �Jones advanced to second base on the throw in from the outfield, giving the Indians runners on second and third bases with two outs. �But a ground out ended the inning leaving the two stranded on base. � That was the last inning for Toledo starter Alfredo Figaro. �His bullpen had no trouble with the Tribe batters. �Neil Walker was the only base runner for the Indians over the last four innings when he walked in the 6th and was also stranded on base.
Powell took the loss, his second of the season. �Brian Friday had the only other Indians’ hit, a single to lead off the 3rd inning. �He was left on base in that inning. �In the 5th inning, Friday walked and was picked off base by Robinzon Diaz. �Pedro Alvarez and Jose Tabata each went 1-for-4.
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Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: �Steve Pearce’s two hits, particularly the 2-run homer in the 2nd inning. �It just kept going and going.
Indians’ Defensive Gem of the Game: �In the bottom of the 4th, Will Rhymes hit a fly ball to deep right field. �Brandon Jones turned his back to the infield to run back, and made the catch over his shoulder at the warning track to end the inning.
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NOTES:
Roster moves by the Pirates today:
Hayden Penn was designated for assignment. �After being claimed off waivers at the end of Spring Training and making the Pirates’ major league roster, Penn made 3 relief appearances. �He pitched a total of 2.1 innings and in two of the outings he gave up 4 runs. �He did not give up any runs in one inning of work on April 9th. �His ERA was 30.86 over those 3 attempts, and it was clear that this was not such a great idea after all. �He’ll have 10 days to go through waivers. �It seems like the Pirates are hoping that they won’t lose him so that they can send him to Indy and continue to work with him. �It also seems like they thought he was trying too hard to impress the management, and that’s why he didn’t pitch well.
Penn’s space on the roster (both active and 40-man) will be taken by reliever Brian Burres. Burres was supposed to have made tonight’s start for the Indians, but instead he’ll start for the Pirates. �Much better deal. �The Pirates needed someone to start because Ross Ohlendorf’s back has been giving him problems.
As expected, Daniel McCutchen was optioned down to Indianapolis. �That had been planned well in advance of yesterday’s awful game in Arizona. �The Pirates are not going to need a 5th starter for a few more weeks, and they didn’t want McCutchen sitting around, so he’ll get some starts in with the Indians.
McCutchen’s roster spot will be taken by reliever Joel Hanrahan, who has been on a rehab assignment with the Bradenton Marauders.
Indians’ Kevin Hart is serving a 3-day suspension for intentionally throwing behind Columbus batter Carlos Santana last week. �It will push back the day of his next start.
That suspension created a roster spot that was filled by Corey Hamman, who pitched in last night’s Indians’ game.
C Erik Kratz, who has missed a couple of days due to a “tweak” in his hamstring, took batting practice and caught in the bullpen today. �He should be ready for action again tomorrow.
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Go Tribe!
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