Salazar, Santana Lead Tribe to Victory in Series Opener

Indians take the first of three games against division-leading Kansas City

The Cleveland Indians brought their bats with them to Kansas City, beating the Royals 6-1 in the first of a three game set this weekend. Danny Salazar got the win, tossing five innings of scoreless ball while striking out three and walking two. Offensively, Carlos Santana continued to rake at Kauffman Stadium, going 2-4 with a 2-run homer and three RBI. Michael Brantley tallied three hits, including two doubles. Yan Gomes returned from his DL stint and went 2-4.

The Positives

Important to get off to a good start in the series against division-leading Kansas City. The Tribe got contributions from a good portion of their lineup, with Michael Bourn the only Indian who failed to record a hit. Jose Ramirez continues to produce in the wake of the Asdrubal Cabrera trade, going 2-5 with and RBI and a stolen base. With an RBI double last night, seven of Zach Walters‘ 11 hits since joining the club have been for extra bases. Encouraging outing from Danny Salazar. He threw 73 pitches in his five innings of work. Errorless baseball is always a positive as well.

The Negatives

Salazar could be a lot more efficient than he is. He sometimes struggles to get the third out in innings, running up his pitch count. Bourn was 0-5 with two strikeouts and left three runners on. At what point do we start wondering about Jose Ramirez in the leadoff spot? Kipnis was caught stealing, although it is only the third time this year he has been gunned down, and Salvador Perez has a cannon.

Check It Out

–Tyler Holt went 1-4 and is hitting a solid .310 with the Tribe this season.

-Carlos Santana added one to his major league-leading walk total, which now sits at  94.

-With the win, the Indians cut the Royals lead in the Central Division to four and a half games.