Player of the Game
Lonnie Chisenhall knocked in the Indians only two runs today on one single, easily making him the Player of the Game. He now has a four game hitting streak and has knocked in three runs and scored twice in the past three games.
Feathers Up
The rain bothered Max Scherzer more than it did Lonnie Chisenhall when the Indians third baseman won the two out battle in the second inning. With runners on second and third after a double steal, the umpires called for a rain delay that lasted only 20 minutes. On the first pitch back from the delay, Chisenhall pulled a ball for a two run single.
Scott Kazmir was good enough again, but is still unable to get deep in games, a problem many Indians starters are dealing with lately. Kazmir threw 5.2 innings and allowed just two runs, completely shutting down the top of the Tigers lineup for the first time this series. The Indians needed that kind of start out of him to match up with the pitcher who will almost certainly start the All-Star Game for the American League.
Feathers Down
Terry Francona has finally decided to do something about the state of the bullpen and has demoted Vinnie Pestano to the 7th inning until he can get things back together. Joe Smith will take over the 8th when necessary. This is about all the Indians can do in the situation as the entire bullpen has struggled at one time or another.
Nick Swisher gave the Tigers an easy out to start off the eighth inning when he tipped a ball down the third base line that started foul, but eventually came back fair. It is the third time this season that I can remember an Indian being out because they didn't run to first, instead choosing to mill about or just walk back to the dug out. The first time was when Jason Kipnis ended a game with a strike out when he could have stolen first when the ball went back to the backstop. The other time was a Carlos Santana ground ball down the first base line. It is interesting that there has been no fury from Terry Francona as this was a particular pet peeve of the Indians previous two managers.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 – Detroit Tigers 4
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