Player of the Game
After hitting RBI doubles in each of the last two games including his only at bat in last night’s walk off win, Tyler Naquin decided to change things up today with two singles, knocking in the only Indians run of the game in the ninth. Naquin also walked in his first at bat.
Feathers Up
One Indians hitter wasn’t completely confounded by Stephen Strasburg today and only one. Jose Ramirez doubled in his first at bat and stole third, singled in his second at bat and walked in his third. The only other hit allowed by Strasburg was an infield single by Naquin.
Arguably the best hitter in the National League, Bryce Harper came into this short series in a serious cold spell, having not had a multi-hit game since July 7th and batting .125/.280/.200 from that point going into Monday’s game. Against Cleveland, that exasperation has been increased as he went 0 for 5 yesterday with a couple loud outs and 0 for 4 with two strike outs today.
Outside of one poor inning (detailed below), Carlos Carrasco pitched well today, striking out five while allowing just three hits in six innings work. On the negative side, he allowed three runs, one on a home run, and three walks, but was dominant from the third through the fifth. His high pitch count in that second inning was the primary cause of his early removal as he had already hit 100 pitches in the sixth.
Feathers Down
It was a very out of character inning for Carrasco in the second today, when he walked three batters and ultimately allowed two runs. While we would like to look at everything that happens being a result of either good or play from an Indians player, this was likely a case of a very talented line-up being very patient with the Tribe starter. Carrasco walked the first two hitters, then had a double play ball that Jason Kipnis was unable to complete the turn on. After a strike out, Carrasco walked Ben Revere in an impressive 12 pitch at bat to load the bases. After getting behind in the count to Trea Turner, the Nationals rookie came through with a single to left, scoring two.
After his brilliant two inning outing last night, Otero was pushed to the limit today as he allowed a single and a double for the Nats fourth run of the game in the seventh. Otero was unable to get the last out of the inning, but Kyle Crockett, also pitching in consecutive games, was able to retire Harper on strikes to finish the inning. Crockett himself had trouble in the next inning, giving up a double without recording an out before being replaced himself by Bryan Shaw.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 – Washington Nationals 4
On Deck: The Indians are off again Thursday for some reason, but will be back Friday night at 7:10 PM for the first of a three game set against Oakland. Trevor Bauer will pitch with an extra day of rest for the second time in a row as he faces off against Kendall Graveman.
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