Reaction: Cleveland Indians Snap Losing Streak, Bauer Pitches Great

The Cleveland Indians defeated the Chicago White Sox on Jackie Robinson Day. Trevor Bauer continued his great start to the season as he pitched to a 4-2 win. Bauer pitched six innings, striking out eight batters as he improved to a 2-0 record. Chicago’s John Danks gave up six hits and three earned runs before being replaced with two outs in the fifth inning.  Today’s win for Cleveland split the series with Chicago.

Key Moments

Third Inning

The Indians got the offense going first today with a Michael Bourn RBI ground out.  Lonnie Chisenhall, who had a great day at the plate late in the game scored on the play.  This was Bourn’s first RBI of the season. On the ground out, Roberto Perez moved to third, potentially another run to score later in the inning but no luck.

Fourth Inning

Ryan Raburn doubled off of John Danks which moved Jerry Sands to third. Chisenhall then added to the scoring when he hit a two run double allowing Raburn and Sands to score on the extra base hit.

Jul 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Ryan Raburn (9) hits a single in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Fifth Inning

To start the inning Jason Kipnis got on base with a walk and later stole second base while Carlos Santana was at bat.  Santana then drove in Kipnis off of a RBI single increasing the score to 4-0.

Sixth Inning

With Adam LaRoche and Connor Gillaspie getting on base via a walk and a double respectively, Chicago got on the scoreboard as Alexi Ramirez drove in LaRoche on a RBI ground out.  Former Indian J.B. Shuck followed Ramirez’s RBI with his own when he hit a single leading to the 4-2 final score.

The Positives

Carlos Carrasco will only be pushed back a day and will start on the road against Chicago on Monday after getting hit in the head by a line drive in yesterday’s game. Jerry Sands continued to impress today. Sands, who had two hits today will be a much needed bat in the lineup, especially with Michael Brantley still injured. 

The Negatives

Jose Ramirez is really struggling, as he is hitting below the Mendoza line (.200) and went hit-less again today. So far this season he has only four hits.  He is not the only one who has is in a slump as there are six Indians hitting at or below .200.  However, two of them, Michael Brantley and Yan Gomes are injured.  Something is going to have to give, because if the inconsistencies continue, the offense could get into trouble.

Check It Out

The Indians are off tomorrow before hitting the road for the first time against divisonal teams when they face the Minnesota Twins and the Chicago White Sox. The Indians snapped a four game losing streak today and will look to increase the momentum into wins.  The series against the Twins will have three right handed pitchers face Cleveland.

Next: Marcum DFA'd; Jhoulys Chacin signed to minor league deal