Player of the Game
Shelley Duncan won today’s Player of the Game with a score of 6.42. Duncan “drove in” the first Tribe run in the 2nd inning when he was hit by an Aaron Laffey pitch with the bases loaded. He also hit a home run in the 4th inning, driving in Michael Brantley. Duncan went 3-3 today with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored, awarding him his 6th PoG of the season. Michael Brantley came is second with a score of 5.97.
Feathers Up
Micahel Brantely and Shelley Duncan were the bright spots offensively for the Tribe today. They combined in the 6-7 part of the line up for 6 hits in 8 at bats. Each had a home run and they totaled for 4 runs scored and 5 RBI. Michael Brantley is leading the Indians with a .299 batting average. The #8 hitter today, Casey Kotchman, also added a home run, meaning that the 6-7-8 hitters each went deep.
At one point in the game, the Indians trailed by 8 runs. The offense kept fighting back to reduce the deficit to 2 runs in the 8th inning. The offense scored 9 runs on 12 hits today, which would usually result in a win, but the bad outing by Ubaldo Jimenez prevented that from happening.
Hit Streak Update: Michael Brantley has now hit safely in 12 straight games after he singled in his first at bat today. Lou Marson also got a hit today, bring his hit streak to 9 games.
Feathers Down
Remember that dominating pitcher the Indians acquired in a trade from the Colorado Rockies in July of last year for a couple very good pitching prospects? Well, he hasn’t been so dominating for the Tribe. Ubaldo Jimenez pitched just 2.1 innings today. In his short outing, he allowed 7 hits, 6 of which were for extra bases. He also walked 4 batters and gave up 8 runs. It seemed like the bullpen could not get ready fast enough. Jimenez struggled throwing strikes all game, and when he did throw strikes, the Blue Jays were swinging hard. He now has an 8-8 record on the year with an ERA over 5.00, not exactly what you want to see from your #2 starter.
The 3rd inning appeared rough for not only Jimenez, but also for his relief, Scott Barnes. Barnes came into the game with just one out and a runner on second. He immediately gave up a double, allowing the inherited runner to score. He also walked a couple and allowed 2 of his own runs to scored. The Blue Jays scored 8 runs in the 3rd inning.
Pitchers had a hard time holding base runners today as the Blue Jays stole 3 bases off Tribe pitching. Two of the 3 steals were of 3rd base, and Tribe catcher, Lou Marson, had no shot at throwing any of them out.
Play of the Game
A pinch-hit RBI single by Travis Hafner in the 8th inning gets the Indians within 2 runs of the Blue Jays.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 9 – Toronto Blue Jays 11
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