Tribe Bounces Back Behind Ramirez’ Walk-Off Hit

Salazar’s Brilliance and Ramirez’ Heroics Overcome Error #100

There are a lot of great milestones for a team to reach over the course of a season.  100 errors is definitely not one of them.  After Danny Salazar had kicked off what would turn out to be yet another solid start, he didn’t back up a throw to the plate by outfielder Chris Dickerson.  A poor pick by Roberto Perez, combined with nobody backing up the throw, allowed two runs to score, putting the Indians behind early in the game.  Fortunately, Michael Brantley broke his mini-slump with an RBI single to chip away at the Astros’ lead.  Michael Bourn‘s groundout in the bottom of the fourth tied the game.  Both bullpens were solid, setting the stage for Jose Ramirez to be the latest walk-off hero for the Cleveland Indians with an RBI hit in the bottom of the ninth. The Indians ended up winning by a score of 3-2.

The Positives

Danny Salazar.  It’s so wonderful to see him back to the level of dominance he showed in 2013.  Six innings with no earned runs, while setting down the last 11 batters he faced.  He even added seven strikeouts to the show.  Rookies Tyler Holt and Jose Ramirez were able to win the game for an offense that seems to be sputtering.  The bullpen was flawless yet again.  There was a lot to like in this game.

The Negatives

Jason Kipnis‘ hitting streak was snapped.  So was Zach Walters‘ homer streak.  And Roberto Perez doesn’t seem to have what it takes to be a full-time catcher, though it seems he can at least lay down a solid bunt.

Check It Out
-In the past two turns of the rotation, no Tribe starter has given up more than three runs.
-No starter in the Tribe’s current rotation opened 2013 as part of the starting staff.
-Zach Walters is one of only three Indians to homer 5 times in his first ten games with the Tribe.