Four Run Fifth for Giants Does in McAllister and Indians

Apr 16, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Zach McAllister (34) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Indians Drop Second of Three Games to Giants

For the second time in as many days, the Indians were bested by the San Francisco Giants. However, unlike Friday night’s 5-1 debacle, the Tribe actually had a chance to win the game. In fact, you could go as far as to say they grasped defeat from the jaws of victory.

The Indians got out to an early lead on Saturday by scoring in the first, third and fifth innings. In the top of the first, the Indians began the scoring on the day thanks to the combination of Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis. Bourn led the game off with a double to center. After Nick Swisher flied out and advanced Bourn to third, Kipnis came through with an RBI single to right.

In the top of the third inning, the Indians struck again. This time, Kipnis plated Swisher, who had doubled to begin the inning. His RBI groundout put the Indians up 2-0 on former Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum.

The Indians scored their third and final run of the game in the top of the fifth. Michael Bourn singled to left to begin the inning. Then, showing legitimate signs of life for the first time this season, Nick Swisher supplied another double. This time the ball was smoked off of the wall in right field. With Zach McAllister cruising, the Indians looked well on their way.

Unfortunately, Yan Gomes Struck out with the bases loaded to end the inning. The wasted bases loaded opportunity proved to be the turning point in the game.

And then the bottom of the fifth happened.

McAllister, who had been nearly unhittable up to that point, imploded on the mound. After loading the bases, Gregor Blanco plated the first Giants run of the inning with an RBI single. Then, Angel Pagan hit a sacrifice fly to make it a 3-2 ball game. A few pitches later, Hunter Pence turned the game upside down with a two run single to right that put the Giants up by a score of 4-3. McAllister was removed from the game, but at that point, the damage had been done.

In the bottom of the sixth, Buster Posey provided the Giants with some insurance. On a 3-2 pitch from C.C. Lee, Posey hit a ball to left field that still hasn’t landed. The solo shot put the Giants up 5-3 and paved the way for a Giants victory.

From that point, it was all up to the Giants bullpen. They shut the Indians offense down over the final three innings, limiting opportunities and keeping them off of the scoreboard. Sergio Romo entered in the ninth and earned his sixth save of the season.

The Indians will look to salvage the final game of this three game series this afternoon. The Indians will send Danny Salazar to the mound. He is still in search of his first victory of the season. The Giants will counter with Ryan Vogelsong. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05.

Source: