Both teams got one single in the 3rd inning (Walker for the Indians), but neither came around to score. �In the top of the 4th, the hot-hitting Pearce hit his second double of the game to start another rally. �Moss’s ground out again moved Pearce to third, and again Carlin (photo) brought Pearce in, this time with an RBI single. �Tied again, 3-3.
Pawtucket got to Brad Lincoln again in the 4th inning. �He gave up a lead-off double to C Dusty Brown, then walked Josh Reddick (which was better than having him get another extra-base hit). �RF Daniel Nava gave the PawSox a big lead when he followed with a 3-run home run to right field.
And again, the Tribe came right back. �2B Doug Bernier and Jose Tabata led off the 5th with back-to-back singles. �Two fly outs brought up 3B Pedro Alvarez, who had only one hit in his last 18 at-bats. �This time, Alvarez came through, taking a 1-1 pitch down the right field line… just barely fair for a 3-run home run to tie the game again, at 6-6.
Lincoln finished his night’s work with two strong innings. �He gave up a walk in the 5th, but got 1B Lars Anderson to bounce into a double play to end that inning. �Then Lincoln struck out the side in the 6th, to end his night. �He had thrown 98 pitches (56 strikes), and left with the game tied, so did not factor into the decision.
Southpaw Corey Hamman came on to pitch the 7th inning for the Indians. �He gave up a one-out solo home run to Daniel Nava to break the tie. �Jean Machi pitched the 8th inning, allowing a walk, but also getting a double play to end the inning.
The Indians could not catch up one more time, though. �They threatened in the 6th, when Luke Carlin doubled, and reached third base on a ground out. �A walk put Doug Bernier on base, but the Indians could not get them home. �Brian Myrow walked in the 7th, and Carlin walked in the 8th, but neither scored. �The Tribe went down in the order in the 9th, and the modest winning streak was over. �Hamman was charged with the loss.
The Indians had posted a total of 11 hits (to just 8 by Pawtucket), including a double and a single by both Jose Tabata and Luke Carlin, and two walks by Steve Pearce. �Brandon Moss was the only Tribe batter to not have at least one hit, but he contributed by making productive outs to move Steve Pearce along and he eventually scored.
The Indians record returns to the .500 mark, at 11-11. �Their 6-game winning streak was the longest since June 2007. �The road trip continues with a 4-game series in Lehigh Valley, beginning on Saturday.
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Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: �Pedro Alvarez’s (photo) clutch 3-run home run in the 5th inning. �An excellent way to break a slump.
Indians’ Defensive Gems of the Game: �Two double plays started by the middle infielders: �2B Doug Bernier to SS Brian Friday to 1B Steve Pearce. �One came in the 5th and the other in the 8th, and both shut down prospective rallies, keeping the Indians in the game.
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NOTES:
Kevin Hart was told today that he has a tear in his right labrum (shoulder). �Surgery has been reccommended by the Pirates’ team doctor, and Hart will be seeking a second opinion from Dr. James Andrews in Alabama in a few more days.
Righty�Mike Crotta has been promoted from AA Altoona to the Indians. �He is expected to join the Tribe starting rotation. �Crotta has made 4 starts for the Curve this month, with a 2-0 record. �In 25.1 innings, he has allowed 5 runs on 14 hits (1.78 ERA), with 3 walks and 16 strikeouts. �He pitched 7 shut-out innings on April 13th, though that was not one of his wins. �He gave up one run in 6 innings in his first and last start, and then had one start on April 19th when he gave up 3 runs on 9 hits in 6.1 innings.
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Go Tribe!
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(photos by Nancy)
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