The Indians posted 5 hits and also picked up 2 walks, but could not push any of their runners around to score. C Jason Jaramillo was the Tribe’s frst base runner, when he walked with two outs in the 2nd, but he was left on base. 2B Chase d’Arnaud, the only Indians’ batter to have more than one hit, singled to lead off the 3rd inning but was thrown out trying to steal second base. CF Alex Presley singled with one out in the 4th, and d’Arnaud singled again in the 5th. D’Arnaud stole second base, as did LF Corey Wimberly after he beat out an infield hit to third base in the 6th. Jaramillo had the Indians’ final hit in the 7th, and Bowker walked in the 9th.
The Indians never had more than one runner on base at a time. Wimberly was the only Tribe batter to get as far as third base in the 6th, with a sacrifice bunt by Ciriaco and a stolen base.
Tony Watson (photo) pitched the bottom of the 8th inning, after Burres was done for the day. Watson buzzed through the inning with a fly out and two strikeouts, needing only 10 pitches (8 strikes) to get the job done.
Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: Corey Wimberly’s single, and his subsequent advancing to third base — the furthest any of the Indians got around the bases. It wasn’t a cheap hit, either — the speedy Wimberly beat out a grounder to third base.
Indians’ Defensive Gem of the Game: The Indians’ second double play, in the 5th. With one out and back-to-back singles putting runners on first and second, JJ Furmaniak grounded to third. Brian Friday, playing third today, snatched up the ball and took a couple of steps to touch the third base bag for one force out, then fired across the diamond to get Furmaniak out at first. That cut short the Bulls’ attempt at a rally and held their lead to one run.
NOTES:
Gorkys Hernandez is out for a few days with a pulled hamstring, which he suffered while running to first base two days ago.
Matt Hague, who had DH duties today, went 0-for-4, ending his 8-game hitting streak.
Jose Ascanio has completed his rehab assignment with the Indians. He was called up to the Pirates today and placed on the active roster. To make room, reliever Mike Crotta has been placed on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation. Crotta has been having elbow pain for a couple of weeks and had an MRI this morning.
Go Tribe!
(photos by Nancy)
