Player of the Game
Jason Kipnis had one of the best games this season by an Indians hitter as he went 5-5 with 3 RBI and 4 runs scored. Two of his hits went for extra bases as well. Kipnis scored 10.23 ‘Player of the Game’ points for the game and has quickly become the Indians hottest hitter, with an average score of 1.93 points per game. The second best hitter this season has been Asdrubal Cabrera with an average score of 1.59. Jason’s 30.9 points in 16 games already surpasses Austin Kearns’ (25.7 points in 57 games) and Lou Marson’s (27.6 in 48) season totals.
Feathers Up
The Indians are now only 2 games behind Detroit in the Central Division after winning two games in a row for the first time since July 18th. It was extremely important to win the first two games of this series, because the pitching match-ups were very favorable towards the Indians and tomorrow’s is not (Justin Verlander v. Fausto Carmona). If the Indians can win tomorrow they will only be a single game behind Detroit with the Twins coming to town.
The Tribe set their bullpen up perfectly for the final game of the series, thanks mostly to Ubaldo Jimenez, who was able to pitch 8 strong innings. After both teams used just about everybody last night, it was nice for the Indians pen to get a night off. The offense did their part as well, knocking Rick Porcello from the game early on, making Detroit use their pen for the second night in a row. This could be important if tomorrow night’s game is close or if Justin Verlander has to throw a lot of pitches and needs to leave the game before the 7th.
In addition to all his hits, Jason Kipnis also had an excellent day on the basepaths, taking four extra bases against the Tigers. Two of these came in the 4th inning when he scored from first on Asdrubal Cabrera’s single. By running hard and forcing a throw to third, he was able to take advantage of the Tigers poor defense and score on the throwing error.
Scoring 10 runs against Detroit is incredible and the best part about the offense was that everyone was involved. Each of the starting hitters had at least one hit and one production stat (run or RBI). Of course Kipnis had the big game, but great efforts by Carlos Santana (2 hits, 2 Runs, 1 RBI), Kosuke Fukudome (3 hits, 2 doubles, 1 RBI) and Ezequiel Carrera (Double, 1 RBI, 1 Run) should not be overlooked.
Feathers Down
Lonnie Chisenhall was thrown out trying to turn a single into a double when the Indians already had a big league. What is wrong with him? I demand perfection from every player. Actually it was a great, aggressive move by a talented, young player and I’d like to see this style of baserunning continue. Fooled you, no feathers down tonight.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 10 – Detroit Tigers 3
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