After the Indians made it a one-run game in the top of the 4th, the Bats threatened again in the bottom of the frame. �Cozart was hit by a pitch and 2B Chris Valaika singled, but a double play erased Valaika, and a fly out ended the inning. �Veal recorded a 1-2-3 5th inning before being relieved by Steven Jackson to begin the 6th inning. �Jackson also retired the side in order for one inning, but began the 7th by surrendering the Bats’ second triple to Valaika. �C Corky Miller followed the triple with a single, scoring Valaika. �Jean Machi pitched a scoreless 8th inning for the Tribe, allowing only a lone walk.
The Indians will have their home opener at Victory Field on Friday, game time 7:15 pm. �The rain is supposed to move through the area by dinner time (!) �The Indians also have a “60 degree guarantee” for the game — if the game-time temperature is less than 60 degrees, everyone in attendance will get a free ticket to any other home game in April. �Also, there will be fireworks after the game.
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Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: �Brandon Jones’ RBI double in the 4th inning. �It was the Tribe’s only extra-base hit of the game.
Indians’ Defensive Gem of the Game: �With runners on first and second bases in the 4th inning, Corky Miller bounced a grounder to short. �SS Argenis Diaz scooped it and started a 6-4-3 double play, throwing to Brian Friday at second and on to Steve Pearce at first. �The runner from second did get to third on the play, but with one more out, he was left stranded.
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NOTES:
Steve Pearce had his 7-game hitting streak broken by going 0-for-4 tonight. �Jose Tabata’s two hits extended his hitting streak to 7 games.
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Go Tribe!
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