Player of the Game
Josh Tomlin only left the starting rotation for the bullpen a week ago, but already was forced back into a starting role due to the rain out. He apparently didn’t lose much over the transition as he threw his third best game of the season, striking out four in 5.1 shut out innings. Tomlin allowed just four hits, all singles, and walked none as he had the game in control the whole time. It was surprising when he was pulled as he had thrown just 50 pitches and it had been just eight games since his last start, so he should have been able to reach much closer to 100.
Feathers Up
Despite worries when David Murphy and Nick Swisher went on the DL on the same day, the Indians outfield has actually been better defensively and kept things going at the plate. In addition to his performance in the early game, Tyler Holt added two hits and a great diving catch early in this game.
In addition to Tomlin’s great start, the Indians bullpen was particularly impressive. Nick Hagadone came in for Tomlin, pitched an inning and struck out one with a walk as his only base runner allowed. Scott Atchison and Marc Rzepczynski combined for another 1.2 with a hit and walk allowed between them with Rzepczynski striking out batters for both his outs. Bryan Shaw threw 1.1 innings and allowed two base runners, but no runs before Kyle Crockett threw the ninth and tenth, not allowing a base runner while striking out three. In all, it was 5.2 scoreless innings with six strike outs, three walks and two hits allowed. With Thursday off, the Indians should be able to wear the fact that all but one of their relievers pitched at some point today.
Feathers Down
Despite great performances by Josh Tomlin and the bullpen, the Indians were unable to score in the first ten innings. They had few chances with just five hits over that span, but were aided by two Diamondbacks errors. Notable performers were Jason Kipnis (0-5 w/ two K’s, RISPLOB), Mike Aviles (0-5 w/DP), Carlos Santana (0-4 w/two RISPLOB) and Ryan Raburn (0-3 w/DP). The Indians got their best chance to score in the 11th, when Michael Brantley doubled to lead off the inning, but even he was unable to score.
C.C. Lee allowed the go ahead run in the 12th after walking Alfredo Marte to start the inning. Jason Kipnis let a Tuffy Gosewisch ball go up the middle for a single that scored Marte from second, but this ultimately didn’t matter as Cliff Pennington singled two batters later. Of course Lee would never have been into the game to pitch had the Indians managed to score a run in the first 11 innings.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 0 – Arizona Diamondbacks 1
On Deck: The Indians are off tomorrow, but will stay at home to face the Orioles on Friday night.
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