Kluber, Tribe Take Game 1 of Motor City Doubleheader

Jul 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Kluber Records 26 Outs, Allows 2 Runs For 10th Win

The Indians were able to take the early lead today.  Jason Kipnis had another pair of key hits, Nick Swisher drove in another run, and David Murphy reached base four times in Cleveland’s 6-2 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park.  Kluber was dominant in the first game of today’s doubleheader, striking out 10 with just 1 walk over 8 2/3 innings, keeping the bullpen well-rested for the nightcap.

Key Innings

Top of the 5th, Game Tied 0-0
Lonnie Chisenhall drew a leadoff walk, and Nick Swisher drove him home with a double over the head of CF Austin Jackson. Yan Gomes slapped a single to right field, pushing Swisher to third. David Murphy then followed with a single through a hole on the right side of the infield to plate Swisher. Ryan Raburn grounded into a momentum-killing double-play, but Jason Kipnis extended the inning with a single to drive in Gomes. Asdrubal Cabrera flied out to end the inning.

The Positives

Is Corey Kluber ever not a positive when he pitches?  He was stunning again today, with the aforementioned 10 strikeouts.  Jason Kipnis was clutch for the second day in a row.  David Murphy hasn’t reached base four times since his five-hit game against the Blue Jays back in May, so maybe he’ll finally bust out of his prolonged slump for good now.  Kipnis had some fantastic work on defense, and Santana was fantastic defensively at first as usual.

The Negatives

Ryan Raburn went 0-for-4 just when it seemed like he might get hot.  It was pretty disappointing, but he did have a pair of hard-hit balls.  The Indians were caught stealing 3 times on the basepaths.  Other than that, it’s hard to find much to be upset about.

Check It Out
-Corey Kluber has 8 games this year with at least 9 strikeouts, and four games with at least 10. No Indians pitcher has done that since Bartolo Colon in 2000.
–Michael Brantley is now 3rd in the league in WAR, having provided the Indians 4.3 Wins Above Replacement so far this year.
-Corey Kluber is top 10 in the AL in ERA and Wins, 4th in strikeouts and 3 in innings pitched.