Cleveland Indians Drop Series Finale As Bats Fall Flat Late

The Cleveland Indians drop the series finale to the Baltimore Orioles by a score of 6-4 on this afternoon. The Indians came back after an early 4-0 hole as rookie starter Mike Clevinger struggled again but ultimately fell short, dropping to 26-22 on the year. The Orioles meanwhile moved to 28-20 on the year with the victory.

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Third time was not the charm for Clevinger as he struggled right out of the gate. After some control issues helped load the bases for the Orioles, Mark Trumbo cleared the bases with a three-run double, giving the O’s an early 3-0 lead. The Orioles added a fourth run in the top of the 4th on a sacrifice fly by Ryan Flaherty, scoring Jonathan Schoop who led the inning off with a double. Making what could be his final start with the Indians for some time, Clevinger finished the day going just four innings, allowing four runs on four hits, three walks, and four strikeouts. In his three big league starts, Clevinger posted a lackluster 8.79 ERA in 14 1/3 innings of work.

Dan Otero came on in relief of Clevinger in the 5th inning and worked two scoreless innings, keeping the Indians in the game and leaving with the score tied. He struck out three while allowing just one hit in his two innings; however, Jeff Manship was not able to enjoy the same level of success, allowing a 7th inning home run to rookie Hyun Soo Kim (his first in the majors). After a scoreless 8th by Austin Adams, Tommy Hunter for the second day in a row couldn’t keep the Orioles off the board, allowing a solo home run to Nolan Reimold, giving the O’s a 6-4 lead. Manship took the loss for the Indians, dropping to 0-1 on the year.

Offensively the Indians played a little home run derby on the afternoon, hitting three home runs on the afternoon, accounting for all four runs. Carlos Santana got the offense going with a solo home run on the first pitch of the bottom of the 4th off O’s starter Chris Tillman. The Indians got two more runs later in the innings as Mike Napoli took Tillman yard as well, scoring Francisco Lindor making it 4-3 Orioles. The Indians were then able to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th as Jason Kipnis led off with a no-doubt home run to right, making it 4-4.

After the bullpen relinquished the lead, the Indians had multiple opportunities to come back again but they failed to get the timely hit required. In the bottom of the 8th, the Indians had their best threat of the ballgame putting runners on 2nd and 3rd with no outs after Kipnis singled and Lindor doubled. However, reliever Darren O’Day was able to get Napoli to ground out to third base and after an intentional walk to Jose Ramirez, got pinch-hitter Lonnie Chisenhall and Yan Gomes to strike out, ending the threat and the inning.

In the 9th the Indians threatened again after Marlon Byrd and Rajai Davis each singled leading off the inning; however, O’s closer Zach Britton was able to get Santana to ground out and struck out both Kipnis and Lindor to strikeout to close out the game. It was Britton’s 14th save on the year while Tillman moved to 7-1 for the Orioles with the win. The Indians left five men on base over the final two innings and struck out four times.

Next: Clevelinks: Indians Win, Move Into 1st Place; Brantley Injury Update; Beer Pyramid

The loss drops the Indians to second place in the American League Central, 0.5 games behind the Kansas City Royals (27-22). The Indians will welcome the Royals to town next weekend, but first, the Texas Rangers will come to town starting tomorrow for a three-game series. The Indians will send out Josh Tomlin, who will look to move to 14-0 after a Tribe loss while the Rangers will counter with left-hander Derek Holland. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 pm.

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