The Tribe again had two runners on base in the 3rd inning. �With one out, Kevin Melillo worked a walk, then went to second base on 2B Jim Negrych’s single into right field. �The second double play of the game, off the bat of Brian Myrow, ended the inning.
The Indians answered the Yankees’ run in the bottom of the 3rd with a run of their own in the top of the 4th. �Pedro Alvarez walked, and then stole second base. �When Luke Carlin grounded up the middle and into center field, Alvarez raced around from second base to score. �Tie score, 1-1.
The third double play on the Tribe came in the 5th inning. �Again with one walk, Kevin Melillo slipped a single through to right field. �This time it was Jim Negrych who grounded into the double play to end the inning. �It also ended the Indians’ stretch of runners on base. �Ivan Nova retired the remaining 9 batters he faced. �Yankees’ closer Jonathan Albaladejo came on to pitch the 9th inning, and he also retired all three Indians he faced.
It was the 8th inning when the Indians fell. �Daniel McCutchen had allowed just two hits over 7 innings, but began the 8th by giving up a line drive to center field to Matt Cusick, for Cusick’s second double of the game. �McCutchen intentionally walked Corona, and then was relieved — and was not happy about it, clearly wanting to get himself out of the mess. �McCutchen had thrown 86 pitches (55 strikes).
Brian Bass came on in relief of McCutchen. �Bass made a nice play on a bunt by the first batter he faced (first pitch), Greg Golson. �Bass made the scoop and fired to third base, forcing out Cusick. �With one out and runners on first and second, Reid Gorecki lifted his 2nd home run of the season over the left field wall — a 3-run homer. �That gave the Yankees a 4-1 lead. �Bass also walked the next two batters, CF Colin Curtis and SS Eduardo Nunez. �Justin Thomas came on to replace Bass, picking up with two on and one out. �The ever-relieable Thomas got a line out and a strikeout to end the inning.
But the Indians could not get anything going in the 9th, and the Yankees had the sweep of the 4-game series.
�
Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: �Luke Carlin (photo) was the only Indians’ batter to have 2 hits in the game, both singles. �One of them, in the 4th inning, drove in the only Indians’ run.
�
Indians’ Defensive Gems of the Game: �Two diving stops in the infield. �In the bottom of the 1st, Colin Curtis smashed a grounder towards second base. �Jim Negrych, going to his glove side, made the dive to come up with the ball and keep it from going into the outfield. �He hopped up and fired to first in time to get Curtis. �In the 7th, Juan Miranda rocketed a low liner toward right field, but Jeff Clement made a diving catch just a few inches off the ground for the out.
�
�
NOTES:
No corresponding roster move announced as yet by the Pirates. �Alvarez is already on the 40-man roster, but space will need to be made for him on the 25-man active roster.
The Indians were hopping on the buses immediately after tonight’s game to head over to Buffalo, NY. �They will have an off day in Buffalo on Wednesday, then begin a 4-game series against the Bison on Thursday.
�
Go Tribe!
�
(photos by Nancy)
�
