Player of the Game
Justin Masterson pitched his best game of the season by far as he easily beat out Johnny Damon for Player of the Game. Masterson pitched a complete game and didn’t allow a single earned run. He struck out 9 and earned the win for a score of 11.57 (the highest score by any Indians player in 2012). This is his third consecutive award.
Feathers Up
Masterson was something special tonight as he flirted with history allowing only one hit before the 7th inning. When the game was over he had only allowed 5 total base runners, two of which were eliminated on the bases (one caught stealing, one double play). Masterson hit a batter, allowed two singles a double and one runner safe on an error as the only runners for the game. He struck out 9 batters including all three in the 9th inning, tying his last start and was just one strike out below his season high.
Turnabout is fair play as the Indians made up for the Reds sweep over the Indians last week by sweeping Cincinnati this time at home. This splits the season series between the two teams and will leave the Ohio Cup in a tie for 2012.
Lonnie Chisenhall continued his hot hitting with a two out three run double to give the Indians an 8 run lead in the 7th. This came after a generous call by the second base ump when an error was awarded to Joey Votto for forgetting how many outs there were. This made all the runs that inning unearned.
Milestone Alert: Shin-Soo Choo now ranks 50th all time as a Cleveland Indian with 142 doubles.
Feathers Down
Asdrubal Cabrera turned an easy play into an error that ended up leading to the Reds only run. This unearned run was the only blemish in Justin Masterson’s great start.
Play of the Game
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 8 – Cincinnati Reds 1
The first place Indians remain in first place with a win.
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