On the Indians off day, they signed veteran outfielder and free agent, Johnny Damon. Damon is rumored to have signed a one-year, $1.25 M deal with a no-trade clause, $1.4 M in performance bonuses, and an option to opt out and return to the free agent market once Grady Sizemore returns from the DL. The Indians signed Damon with hopes of improving their slumping offense. It is currently unknown when Damon will join the team and who he will replace on the active roster.
Player of the Game
There were 3 players that were very close in today’s “Player of the Game” race. Asdrubal Cabrera came out on top with a 9th inning home run, which added to a double and a run scored earlier in the game, giving him a score of 4.45. Jason Kipnis came in close second with a score of 4.34, which included a 2-run triple, a run scored, and a stolen base. Shin-Soo Choo finish in third place today, with a score of 4.26, which included 2 singles, 2 RBI, a run, and a stolen base.
Feathers Up
The Indians came out hitting today, scoring 7 runs to start the game. The Indians sent 11 hitters to the plate in the first inning. Michael Brantley led off the game with a single. Asbrubal Cabrera then doubled, and Shin-Soo Choo, Shelley Duncan, and Casey Kotchman singled before Jason Kipnis cleared the bases with a triple. The offense continued as Jack Hannahan singled and Brantley doubled. This 7-spot in just one inning was more than the Indians have scored in a single game so far this season.
Derek Lowe pitched very efficiently, with less than 80 pitched going into the bottom of the 7th inning. Lowe ended up pitching 6.2 innings today, giving up 3 runs on 11 hits and recording the win.
Runners were more aggressive and more successful on the base paths today. Choo and Kipnis each had a stolen base today, and no runners were caught stealing.
Solid defense helped the Indians get out of potential run scoring situations as they turned 3 double plays today.
Almost every batter in the Indians line up today contributed to their offense, all except one getting at least one hit. Travis Hafner was the only Indians who did not get a hit today, with Michael Brantley, Shin-Soo Choo, and Asdrubal Cabrera recording multiple hits. The Indians ended the game with 11 hits.
Feathers Down
Manny Acta is getting annoyed with all of the Johnny Damon questions. He would much rather focus on the current team and their performance.
Play of the Game
Jason Kipnis hits a 2-run triple
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 8 – Kansas City Royals 3
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