Once the Indians started hitting, they continued to do it, though they still had trouble bringing runners around to score. �Bobby Livingston, who pitched in one game for the Indians in 2009, gave up a single to Jim Negrych and a walk to C Erik Kratz (photo) in the 6th inning, but a strikeout ended the inning, leaving both runners on base. �Argenis Diaz led off the 7th with a walk, and pinch hitter Doug Bernier, in for Brian Bass, grounded to deep behind third base along the line — 3B Mike Cervenak was able to keep the ball from going into the outfield, but had no play when he came up with the ball. �After two strikeouts, Jim Negrych walked to load the bases, but Livingston struck out 1B Jeff Clement to end the inning.
The Tribe got to former teammate Livingston in the 8th. �He hit 3B Brian Myrow with a pitch, setting up Erik Kratz. �Kratz lifted along drive over the right-center field fence for a 2-run homer, and the Indians were back in the running, at 5-3. �Jonathan Van Every followed the homer with a line drive into right field for a single, and Livingston was done. �Buffalo reliever Bobby Parnell got Argenis Diaz to ground out to second, moving Van Every to second base. �A passed ball advanced Van Every to third base, and pinch hitter Luke Carlin’s sacrifice fly brought Van Every across the plate. �The Indians were within one run, 5-4.
But Buffalo added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning, when Valentino Pascucci greeted reliever �Vinnie Chulk with another solo home run, his third of the game. �Chulk got two outs, then gave up a ground rule double to Josh Thole and intentionally walked Jonathan Malo, but ended the inning with a pop up, keeping any further runs from scoring.
The Tribe had one more chance in the top of the 9th, and it started off well, with a single by Jim Negrych, lined into left field. �But Jeff Clement bounced into an easy 6-4-3 double play, erasing Negrych, and Brian Myrow grounded out to end the game.
Jim Negrych and Jonathan Van Every each had 2 hits in the game.
�
Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: �Erik Kratz’s 2-run homer in the 8th. �It was Kratz’s 6th home run of the season, and it got the Tribe going again in the 8th inning rally.
�
Indians’ Defensive Gem of the Game: �Three strikeouts in a row by Jeremy Powell, striking out the side in the 5th inning.
�
NOTES:
Brian Myrow was playing third base for the first time this season — in fact, for the first time since 2006.
The Pirates announced the signing of two more draft picks today. �Righty pitchers Tyler Waldron (5th round) and Vincent Payne (12th round) have both put their names to paper. �They are the lowest numbered draft picks signed so far. �The running list of draft signings is here.
�
Go Tribe!
�
(Photos by Nancy)
�
�
�
�
�
