Reaction: Lack of Cleveland Indians offense leads to loss to Angels

The Cleveland Indians struggled at the plate this afternoon, only getting three hits off the Los Angeles of Anaheim Angels’ pitching despite driving in three runs. The Angels, on the other hand, had no trouble with offense, driving in four runs on twelve hits in a victory for the Angels.

Josh Tomlin, who missed time early in camp with shoulder soreness, started the game but was hit hard, allowing nine hits and two runs in four innings of work. It is good to see him back on the mound again since he had an injury earlier on in camp.  After another start or two, I would expect him to be back in the zone. 

The two runs that Tomlin gave up came on a single in the first to Kyle Kubitza and a home run in the second off the bat of Matt Joyce. C.C. Lee also gave up two runs today, as Daniel Robertson and C.J. Cron drove in the runs off of a double and sac fly, respectively.

Cleveland’s offense left 18 runners on base today.  Although the team was not able to produce today, the scoring impact provided was done by younger players.  In fact all  the runs for the Indians drove in was in the fourth inning.

David Murphy scored on a Ryan Rohlinger bases-loaded walk and Lonnie Chisenhall crossed home on a sacrifice fly by Brett Hayes.  Following that scoring play, Destin Hood hit a single that scored Ryan Raburn.  All runs driven in were off of Angels’ pitcher Nick Tropeano.

What Stood Out?

The Cleveland offense struggled, as quite a few everyday players were on the bench, allowing younger players to get more experience.

Manager Terry Francona has some decisions to make as the last week of spring training approaches. With an injury to Nick Swisher, and the uncertain health of Jason Kipnis, it is going to be exciting to see how the team finishes their 25-man roster.

What’s Next?

The Indians take on the Cincinnati Reds tomorrow afternoon at 4:05 p.m. as Danny Salazar takes the mound for the Tribe. Jason Kipnis, who has been out with mid-back spasms for nearly a week, is expected to return to the lineup within the next few days.

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