ap recap :: box score :: game log
I watched 6 innings of yesterday's game against the Braves. Then it became too painful. I just couldn't stop thinking about '95 and how the Tribe offense met the Braves pitching and how poorly that worked out for the Indians. According to the Braves' announcers, starting pitching has been a problem this year for that team, although it certainly wasn't a problem last night. Paul Byrd pitched 7 shutout innings giving up a mere 4 hits and 0 walks. The only player that had Byrd's number was Matt Lawton who had 3 hits off the guy (and reached base another time on an error). He has increased his hitting streak to 16 games; a tie for his career best. Other than that, the Tribe just couldn't get on base, let alone get the ball into the outfield.
Jake Westbrook didn't look his sharpest on the mound, which didn't help matters. He gave up 8 hits and 4 earned runs in 5 innings pitched while striking out 4 and walking 1. The 2 homeruns hit were costly. He did, however, manage to keep his ERA under 3.00 and should still lead the AL.
In the 4th inning, Omar Vizquel left the game after attempting to bare-hand a ball. Hopefully his hand is alright and will be in the lineup today. I miss Omar when he's not in the field.
Skipper Eric Wedge was tossed after correctly arguing a bad call. The second base umpire called Coco Crisp out on a stolen base attempt and the replay clearly showed that he was safe.
With this loss, the Indians are yet again 2 games from .500 and 4.5 games behind the division leader Minnesota Twins.