Player of the Game
Michael Brantley has been close enough to aflame since the All-Star break to make everyone forget about his aching back Today, he crushed a three run home run to tie the game in the third and added the go ahead RBI on a single in the fifth as well. In his fourth at bat he added a double to right for good measure, scoring on a two out Yan Gomes single. Finally, disappointing all those rooting for the cycle, Brantley singled in his final at bat to go 4/5. Since the break, he has hit safely every game with two home runs, three doubles and five walks.
Feathers Up
Francisco Lindor had what was quite probably the best game of his young career today, showing off all facets of his offensive game. In the first, he gave the Indians an early lead with a solo home run to left after working the count from 1-2 to full. In his second at bat, he singled to center on a first pitch change up, an actual hit with a runner in scoring position. He then scored on Brantley’s home run. In his third at bat, he worked an impressive walk with Jason Kipnis on first, then aggressively went to third on a Brantley single to left.
Zach McAllister responded well after his terrible outing last night, striking out three in two innings of much needed relief. He has now pitched in four games in a row, all but one since the second half began. In those games he has struck out six in 3.2 innings, allowing just two hits and a walk excluding yesterday’s mess.
Milestone Alert: With his 20th save of the season and the 46th in his career, Cody Allen has moved into the top ten in Indians career saves, tied with Sid Monge and Jim Kern. The 20 in a single year ties a group of four for 21st most in Indians history as well, showing how few great closers the Indians have had in their history.
The Indians were awarded an extra draft pick in the 2016 amateur draft thanks to the competitive balance lottery. They will get the second pick in Competitive Balance Round B, between the second and third rounds.
Feathers Down
Cody Anderson allowed as many runs in the first inning today as he had in his previous four starts combined, but that shouldn’t be held against him too hard. To begin, no pitcher can sustain a 0.89 ERA for too long, particularly when it’s buoyed by a .165 BABIP (the league average is usually near .300). Looking deeper into the first, there were four well placed singles in addition to the home run by Adam Lind. Excusing the fact that all his luck appeared to run out at the same time, this inning wasn’t that far off from Anderson’s other starts.
Anderson was ultimately pulled after 2.2 innings, ten hits and four runs. In addition to his BABIP issues, Anderson had an issue pitching too many strikes once he had a batter down in the count. In total, 48 of his 66 pitches (73%) were strikes, so it isn’t surprising that he didn’t walk anyone or that the Brewers were extremely aggressive. His biggest mistake may have been his last as he got the opposing pitcher, Kyle Lohse, down 0-2, then threw a fast ball in the perfect spot to be driven back up the middle for a single.
While the “clutch” offense did step up a little bit today, the Indians still hit into four double plays, giving them eight in the past two games. While last night was bad enough, things got ridiculous today. One double play was on a scorching line drive hit by Brandon Moss where Carlos Santana was picked off second and another came off a bunt attempt by Austin Adams. The ball hit just in front of the plate then bounced back to the catcher. Jonathan Lucroy tagged Adams, got the force out at third at which point the ball was finally called fair and was thrown back to first, where Adams was called out. Of course, Adams never left the batters box after being tagged because he thought the ball was foul. Confusing? It should be.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 7 – Milwaukee Brewers 5
On Deck: If nothing else, expect a well pitched series as some impressive pitching match-ups will take place in the upcoming series with Chicago. The first will feature Trevor Bauer against Jeff Samardzija at 7:10 PM in Cleveland, tomorrow night.
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