Four-Run Fourth Inning Leads to Cleveland Indians’ Loss to Minnesota Twins

The Indians dropped the series opener against Minnesota on Tuesday night, as the Tribe fell 4-3 to the Twins. Trevor Bauer pitched reasonably well, allowing four earned runs over eight innings. He gave up just four hits and a walk while striking out eight, but the Tribe’s offense struggled to take advantage. Trevor May lasted only five innings after allowing five hits and four walks, but the Indians were only able to score two runs off of the Twins’ starter.

Sep 9, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) delivers in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Key Innings

Bottom of the 2nd, tied 0-0
Carlos Santana led off the second inning with a single, and Jason Kipnis quickly followed with a double. Santana scored on Lonnie Chisenhall’s RBI groundout, and Kipnis crossed home plate when Yan Gomes hit a sacrifice fly. Despite the early advantage, the Indians’ two-run lead would only hold until the fourth inning.

Top of the 4th, Indians lead 2-0
With two outs, Bauer allowed Twins’ first baseman Joe Mauer to hit a double to left field. Kennys Vargas followed with an RBI double of his own, and Trevor Plouffe added another run with a single. Oswaldo Arcia capped off the inning with a two-run blast that put the Twins up 4-2 before Bauer was able to end the inning.

Bottom of the 8th, Indians trail 4-2
A double by Santana gave the Indians hope in the eighth, especially when Gomes tacked on a run with an RBI single. With two out, Terry Francona sent Jason Giambi to the plate as a pinch hitter, but the hitless Giambi flied out to left to end the inning.

The Positives

Aside from his hiccup in the fourth, Trevor Bauer was very strong against the Twins. The bullpen has gotten a considerable amount of rest recently, and both Marc Rzepczynski and Scott Atchison pitched well in the ninth inning, despite a tight strike zone. Jose Ramirez was 3-for-4, continuing to hit the ball well since his return to the Indians last month.

The Negatives

Runs have been hard to come by for the Tribe’s offense, and Tuesday night was no exception. Despite having plenty of base runners, the Indians were not able to capitalize and score. In the eighth inning, the decision to use Giambi was an unusual one – the former All-Star hasn’t had a hit yet this season.

Check It Out

– The Indians held Brian Dozier hitless in the first game of the series. Although Dozier is only batting .240, he’s hit 20 home runs and stolen 20 bases so far this season.

– Tribe pitchers’ 1261 strikeouts are the second-highest total in the majors.

– Santana leads the majors with 101 walks. The Indians as a team have 458 walks, which is the tenth-highest total in baseball. The Oakland A’s lead all of baseball, with 515.