Player of the Game
Pitching 2 scoreless inning in relief, Rafael Perez becomes the second relief pitcher to win Player of the Game honors this season. His score of 2.30 included 2 innings pitched, a double allowed, and 3 strikeouts. This was his first time pitching in the last 5 days, but outings like this make you wonder why he isn’t used more often.
Feathers Up
The Indians took the early lead today in the first inning. With 2 outs, Shin-Soo Choo and Travis Hafner hit back-to-back doubles, giving the Indians the 1-0 advantage. Unfortunately, this was all the offense the Indians were able to provide today.
Travis Hafner continues to swing a hot bat and show patience at the plate as he doubled today and walked twice. Hafner continues to lead the team in batting with an average of .357.
Feathers Down
Justin Masterson had a sloppy start for his 3rd outing in a row. Masterson lacked control and dominance today as he walked 6 batters and struck out 2 in the 5 innings he pitched. Masterson also allowed 4 runs on 6 hits, including a 2-run home run to Seth Smith. Hopefully we can see some quality starts out of Masterson soon.
The Indians offense lacked today with only 1 run on 4 hits, 2 of which came in the first inning. They continue to show patience at the plate, walking 6 more times today, but without hits, those walk don’t score runs.
Pitchers did a horrible job of controlling base runners today. The Athletics stole 4 bases today, none of which Tribe catcher, Lou Marson, had a shot of throwing out.
Play of the Game
Choo and Hafner hit back-to-back doubles, scoring the only Tribe run
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 – Oakland Athletics 5
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