Roster Update: Victim of the numbers and the options game, Vinnie Pestano was sent back to AAA today in order to make room for starting pitcher, Zach McAllister. While Pestano’s season numbers don’t look very impressive, he has been great since his most recent call-up with a 1.42 ERA in 6.1 innings through ten appearances. Pestano struck out nine in that span and if anything, was underused prior to the demotion.
Player of the Game
Michael Brantley extended his hitting streak to nine games with a line shot over the right field wall in the eighth, decreasing the White Sox lead to a single run. It was his career high 15th of the year and his 63rd RBI, just ten short of last year’s total. Brantley has been, by far, the Indians best player in the first half and will represent the team on Tuesday at the All-Star game. This was his team leading 12th Player of the Game Award.
Feathers Up
Another successful challenge helped the Indians get on the board today in the seventh. After Lonnie Chisenhall singled and Nick Swisher struck out, Yan Gomes hit a short fly to right that Dayan Viciedo almost caught. Gomes was called out on the field, but after a Terry Francona challenge, the play was reversed and the Indians had runners on first and second. David Murphy then singled, and after a pop to left from Mike Aviles, Jason Kipnis walked in the Tribe’s first run as Chisenhall scored from third.
Feathers Down
Zach McAllister breezed through the first three inning with just one base runner allowed, but got into trouble in the fourth when he walked Alexei Ramirez to start the inning. After Ramirez walked, it appeared that was all he was able to do as his back had locked up and he was removed from the game. Jose Abreu then hit his league leading 29th home run of the season and his fifth against the Tribe in 2014 to give the White Sox a 2-0 lead.
Going into the sixth, the only hit allowed by McAllister was the Abreu home run, but in that inning, three White Sox singles brought home another run, despite a nifty double play turned by Jason Kipnis. Adam Dunn came through with the two out RBI hit with a line shot off the right field wall, but was unable to move past first on the play.
Scott Carroll dominated the Indians today, despite not having great control or great stuff. He allowed just two hits, along with a walk and a hit batter, through five innings as the Indians never had a runner on third with less than two outs. Despite the great start, Carroll was pulled after just 78 pitches and five innings, leaving the game with back stiffness, just as Ramirez did earlier.
Austin Adams made his MLB debut today and it was certainly less than he had hoped for. Terry Francona trusted the rookie in the ninth inning of a one run game and Adams responded as most pitchers throwing in their first game would. He allowed hits to the first three Sox batters, including two doubles that increased the Chicago lead to three. After retiring just a single batter, Adams left the game with a runner on third, who promptly scored on a sacrifice against Marc Rzepczynski.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 – Chicago White Sox 6
On Deck: Sunday will be the Indians final game before the All-Star break as they take on the White Sox at 1:05 PM at Progressive Field.
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