Player of the Game
For the second game in a row, WPA (win probability added) has named Carlos Santana as the Indians top player with a WPA of .190. Danny Salazar pitched well and came in second because of his short start at just .108. Santana knocked in two more after having three RBI in his last game while going 1/4. Santana also looked good on the bases taking two extra bases and forcing an error in his first at bat.
Feathers Up
The Indians continued scoring early today, putting three on the board in the first and another two in the second. Mike Napoli loaded the bases after singles from Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor, then Carlos Santana brought two home with a squib hit right in front of the plate that was hurled beyond Jose Abreu at first and down the line. Another scored on a Yan Gomes sacrifice fly. In the second, Jose Ramirez doubled and scored on Rajai Davis‘ triple. Davis himself came home on the Indians second sacrifice fly, this one by Kipnis.
The Indians took advantage of some two out lightning in the fifth when Lindor, Napoli and Santana all singled before a Gomes double. Only two batters scored, however, as Santana was stranded on third when Marlon Byrd flew out to end the inning.
Terry Francona used Trevor Bauer in a little bit of a different role from convention today as he pitched two of the final three innings in the blow out. While normally a starter in the bullpen would be more expected to come in early in games to get to the late innings, using Bauer to shut down teams in games too distant to use Cody Allen could be a great fit. Not only is he a talented pitcher more than capable of handling the role, but by using one pitcher for two or more innings in a blow out, Francona saves the rest of his bullpen for more important match-ups. Of course, this is just one instance, but it could be something to look for as the season progresses.
Feathers Down
Indians starter, Danny Salazar, had major issues with command of his off-speed pitches today, leading to a lot of deep counts and a high pitch count early in the game. He was able to avoid damage in the first two innings by striking out three and a great pick off throw from Gomes to nab Avasail Garcia who strayed much too far off first base. Luckily for Salazar, his fastball was electric and his four strike outs all came on one that was at least 96 MPH. Because of the high pitch count, Salazar was forced out of the game after just 5.1 innings despite allowing only two hits and a single run.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 7 – Chicago White Sox 1
On Deck: I was just kidding last time when I said the next game would be between the Red Sox and Indians on Thursday, but I’m serious this time when I say the Indians and White Sox will be back at it tomorrow at 2:10 PM ET. Since Salazar was bumped back to today after the rain out, Cody Anderson will go for the Tribe against Chris Sale of Chicago.
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