Roster Update: Prior to the cancellation of yesterday’s game, the Indians activated Michael Bourn from the DL and sent Nyjer Morgan to AAA.
Player of the Game
Coming off an impressive shut out performance against the Padres, Zach McAllister repeated his effort against a much tougher team. While he did give up a run early, off a double and a couple ground outs in the first, McAllister was at his best during most of the game. Despite the low temperatures, McAllister pounded the strike zone, walking just two and striking out four in six innings. In all, he allowed just the single run on four hits, aided by a couple nice plays defensively from David Murphy. His final POG score was 5.52. This was his second consecutive ‘Player of the Game’ award.
Feathers Up
It was another cold day in Detroit and, very understandably, Anibal Sanchez had issues with control early on. The Indians scored their first run after he loaded the bases to start the game, then scored another two in the second after an error and a walk preceded a Yan Gomes triple.
Lonnie Chisenhall singled and stole a base in the fifth, bringing up two interesting numbers. First, Chisenhall now leads the team with a six game hitting streak, one in each game he has played. He played for the first time in the past seven games after missing time due to left handed starters and a baby. With the steal (and Michael Brantley’s later in the game), the Indians are now 9 for 9 in stolen base attempts. Only the Angels are still perfect on the season as well with seven steals. The Dodgers lead all of baseball with 20 steals.
After blowing his first save as an Indian his last time out, John Axford worked around a double and an error to complete the one run save. The rest of the bullpen was on point as well, with Bryan Shaw, Cody Allen and Axford combining to finish the last three innings without allowing an earned run.
Feathers Down
Nick Swisher may be the most positive Indian ever, but even he would have to admit he had a bad day at the plate. He came up with a runner at second in the fifth and runners at third in the second and seventh and went 0-3 in these situations. In his final chance with a runner in scoring position, almost any ball put into play would have scored Chisenhall, but Swisher hit it straight to third, keeping the runner on the base. The rest of the line-up didn’t fare much better, but didn’t get as many chances as Swisher. The first five hitters in the order went 0-16 on the night with three walks and a HBP.
The Tigers were able to score their second run of the night in the eighth inning after a few interesting defensive plays. Rajai Davis lead off the inning and was safe on a Jason Kipnis error when his pop fly bounced off the tip of the second baseman’s glove. Ian Kinsler followed with a bunt single that was challenged by Terry Francona and upheld. Chisenhall made a great play on the ball and the play was extremely close at first. Swisher then turned a slick double play that moved Davis to third. He then scored the unearned run on a Miguel Cabrera single, Cabrera’s second RBI of the game. Another single by Victor Martinez made this Cody Allen’s worst appearance of the year, but since the run was unearned, he maintained his 0.00 ERA and earned a hold as well.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 3 – Detroit Tigers 2
On Deck: Cleveland will finish the snow shortened series tomorrow afternoon at 1:08 in Detroit.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
