Player of the Game
With the exception of Kipnis, every Tribe batter generated at least one hit today. Mike Napoli was the top performer, reaching base safely on an error in the first and lining a single to left field in the second. Napoli scored 2 runs and knocked 2 in. What really gave Napoli the advantage this game was his super stealthy base-running abilities. His aggressive base running and a stolen base gave him the slight advantage over Yan Gomes in tonight’s run fest.
Feathers Up
The Indians turned things around on the Orioles, who scored three runs in the first yesterday with four of their own today. Carlos Santana lead off the game with a hard hit single to right, then after a Jason Kipnis walk, Mike Napoli brought both home with a hit down the left field line. The play was called an error, although Pedro Alvarez completely whiffed on the ball as Napoli ended up on second. After another walk to Jose Ramirez and a double steal, Yan Gomes came through with a single to right to score both runners.
The Indians were running wild on the bases today, stealing five bases in all without getting caught. It was one of these steals in the second that lead to another run when Francisco Lindor stole second, then scored on a Napoli single. Napoli, Ramirez and Chisenhall also stole successfully in the first inning. After taking 5 innings off, the next attempted stolen base came in the 7th inning when Carlos Santana successfully stole second base with Michael Martinez on third. A throwing error on the play resulted in the Tribe’s 10th run of the game.
The Indians took advantage of four Oriole fielding mistakes, making just 5 of their 11 runs earned. With the aid of the errors, the Indians were able to score their 11 runs with just one extra-base hit: a double by Lonnie Chisenhall in the 5th.
With the win today and a Chicago loss, the Indians are in first place in the Central Division Standings.
Feathers Down
Indians pitchers appeared to be a little too relaxed given the run support provided by the offense. The Orioles managed a double-digit hit count, connecting to reach base 10 times. Of the 6 hits allowed by Danny Salazer, 5 were doubles. Tommy Hunter would later allow the 6th Baltimore double of the night.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 11 – Baltimore Orioles 4
On Deck: The Indians and Orioles will wrap up the three game set on Sunday with Mike Clevinger making his third Major League start against Chris Tillman at 1:10 PM. Given Carlos Carrasco‘s expected return next week, this could be Clevinger’s final start before returning to AAA.
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