Cleveland Indians, Trevor Bauer Roughed Up by Red Sox in Loss

Bauer struggles again as Red Sox down the Indians, 9-1

The Cleveland Indians were hoping Trevor Bauer would shake off his recent struggles, but it was evident early that wouldn’t be the case. After surrendering a run in the first, the Boston Red Sox touched him up for four more in the second as he was unable to finish the inning as the Sox ran off to a 9-1 victory. 

All the things that have gone right for the Indians (55-63) as of late went wrong today. The offense that had showed renewed life once again went dormant, managing just six hits –with Michael Brantley‘s solo home run providing the lone tally for the Tribe. After a short outing for Bauer (9-10, 4.62) last time out, his recent string of performances are becoming concerning.

The Red Sox (53-66) got a sterling performance from Eduardo Rodriguez (7-5, 4.48), who went eight strong innings allowing just the one run on six hits while striking out five. Mookie Betts three-run double was the biggest blow, but the Tribe was also unable to slow down Travis Shaw who went 4-for-4 while scoring two runs.

Brock Holt pounded out three hits of his own, one of five Red Sox hitters with a multi-hit game. As a team, they slapped out 16 hits with five of the extra-base variety. There were very few bright spots for the Indians–Jason Kipnis returned from the DL as he went 0-for-1 in a pinch-hit appearance. The other was a two-inning scoreless performance from Jeff Manship who now has a 1.23 ERA in 22 innings this season.

Prior to the game, Indians’ skipper Terry Francona, along with bench coach Brad Mills, spent the morning with Red Sox manager John Farrell who was undergoing his first cancer treatment.

The Indians and Red Sox will meet in the series finale tomorrow as Corey Kluber (8-12, 3.34) faces Joe Kelly (5-6, 5.69). Kluber looks to continue his solid pitching, as he currently may be the best pitcher in baseball with a losing record. He comes off back-to-back complete games against the Twins.