Josh Tomlin Impresses Over Four Innings

July 27, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin (43) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Josh Tomlin Impressive in Win

As we get deeper into the spring schedule, starting pitchers will begin taking on more responsibility and going deeper into games. The goal is to allow them to stretch their arms out in order to prepare for the upcoming season. If they can perform well during these extended outings, even better. Such was the case for Josh Tomlin on Sunday.

Over the course of four innings, Tomlin stymied the Milwaukee Brewers. His final line – four innings pitched, three hits, a walk and five strikeouts. It was yet another impressive outing from a pitcher battling back from Tommy John surgery and fighting desperately for the fifth and final spot in the rotation.  Tomlin has impressed thus far and his track record of being a hard-nosed, give it his all type of pitcher can only help. As we’ve mentioned before, Josh Tomlin isn’t going down without a fight.

Meanwhile, Tomlin received some help on Sunday. The Indians offense provided him with four runs on eight hits with RBI coming from David Murphy, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Justin Sellers. Murphy drive in an additional run when he reached on an error.

On the mound, the relief of Josh Tomlin also provided helping hand, bridging the gap from the fifth through ninth innings and keeping Tomlin in line for the win. HiS ERA now sits at a modest 2.00 for the spring.

C.C. Lee, Bryan Price, Marc Rzepczynski, and John Axford were equally as dominant. Over four innings, they gave up a combined two hits and three walks. If that type of dominance can translate to April or May when the games count for real,  the Indians might have something special.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t all good. In the ninth, Travis Banwart coughed up two runs  on three hits before finally retiring the side. Nothing like a little drama to get the blood pumping.