Reaction: Trevor Bauer Pitches lights out in Cleveland Indians’ 5-1 win over Astros

The Cleveland Indians pitching staff continued to pitch exceptionally well this season, as Trevor Bauer and the bullpen came up just short in throwing a combined no hitter in a 5-1 win today.  Bauer pitched six no hit innings, while striking out 11 batters.  Houston’s starter Asher Wojciechowski gave up eight hits and four runs over four innings in his major league debut. Cleveland won the series with the victory in the rubber game.

Key Moments

First Inning: Indians Took the Lead Early         

Jason Kipnis drove in Michael Bourn on a sacrifice fly for the games first score, putting the Tribe up 1-0.  The Indians never looked back as the offense finally came to life.

Second Inning: Indians Score Again

Yan Gomes scored as Roberto Perez hit a single to right. Cleveland’s offense was in zone today, perhaps thanks to the nervousness of the rookie pitcher and his lack of command.

Fourth Inning: An insurance run was provided                

On top of calling a phenomenal game today behind the plate, Perez continued to showcased his offensive skills in the fourth when he hit a solo home run. He isn’t going to play much because the Indians have a talented rising star as the starting catcher in Yan Gomes, but Perez can come in and the Indians won’t miss a beat.

Fifth Inning: Another run by the long ball       

Shortstop Jose Ramirez showed some pop as he hit a solo run, which gave them a 4-0 lead. Houston’s bullpen couldn’t stop the scoring after Wojciechowski was removed prior to the start of the fifth.

Seventh Inning: The scoring continued                     

Carlos Santana drove in another run today after his home run on his birthday yesterday. Ramirez crossed home plate as Santana hit into a fielder’s choice leading to a 5-0 lead.

The Positives

Trevor Bauer held his own and then some after Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco‘s dominating performances. The pitching staff as a whole struck out 16 batters.  Kyle Crockett, Scott Atchison, and Nick Hagadone each pitched one inning this afternoon.  Roberto Perez and Jose Ramirez hit the cover off the ball as each hit a home run and had two hits.  Today’s game went as perfect as one could have hoped. Let’s hope the team can keep up the great pitching results as they head back home.

The Negatives

The unfortunate but obvious one would be the one pitch Nick Hagadone–who struggled in Wednesday’s game– threw to Jed Lowrie which lead to losing the no-hitter and the shutout. The team was so close to making history; luckily no more hits were given up afterwards and the Tribe got the win.  The Indians have been pitching lights out, but they cannot have as high of a number of walks given up ,regardless of how many or little hits are given up.

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Check it Out

Tomorrow the Indians travel home to start a series versus their rivals, the Detroit Tigers.  Fans at the game tomorrow and going forward will be able to see the new upgrades the team has done for the first time at Progressive Field. Detroit will have Alfredo Simon on the mound, who will make his debut as a Tiger since being dealt from the Reds in the off-season.  Simon had a 3.44 ERA and struck out 127 batters last season.

Zach McAllister will get the ball to start the home opener for Cleveland. He is the fourth pitcher in the rotation, will try to keep up the great early success of the starting pitching. McAllister pitched in the rotation and out of the bullpen last year accumulating a 5.23 ERA in 86 innings.

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