Tribe on the Offensive

Indians 13, Orioles 8 (box)

Fausto Carmona should be thrilled and Eddie Mujica should simply be thankful that it is simply the way the rules are written.  Mujica had a Joe Borowski Special, with a “BS” and a “W” next to his name in the box score.

The pitching through the first seven innings was borderline awful.  Though only giving up seven hits, Carmona and Mujica gave up a combined eight earned runs.  Four walks and a home run by Carmona, followed by Mujica allowing three of his inherited runners in the seventh made for quite a box score for the former 19-game winner – one whom was given a five-run lead going into the third.  Thankfully, Brendan Donnelly and Jensen Lewis held down the back end making for one bizzare game.

How bizzare?  The bats actually bailed the team out this time, instead of shutout baseball by Cliff Lee et al.  Ben Francisco, Jhonny Peralta, Ryan Garko, and Asdrubal Cabrera each had a two-hit evening.  Cabrera’s two hits actually came on a double and a home run – his fourth of the season.  Francisco and Peralta combined to go 4-for-8 with six runs scored and two RBI. 

Andy Gonzalez pinch ran for Ryan Garko in the seventh and scored.  He later hit a two-run home run to pad the lead.  All in all, this combination of timely hitting and solid relief work was enough for the Tribe to win their fourth straight.  We are currently a game behind the Kansas City Royals for fourth place within the division.

Iron Pigs 5, Bisons 4 (box)

The Bisons managed to knot things up in the fifth, but Tom Mastny gave up the winning run to the Pigs in the eigth.  Jordan Brown went 3-for-4 with a double, and Trevor Crowe broke out of his slump somewhat by going 1-for-4.  Michael Aubrey went 0-for-3, despite having men on base during two of said plate appearances.

Bryan Bullington struck out six in six innings, but walked three and gave up four earned runs on the day.

Indians 10, Hillcats 1 (box)

Three members of the Kinston Indians had two-hit games, as the team put a whooping on the Lynchburg Hillcats.  Catcher Carlos Santana went 1-for-2 with his third home run since joining the squad.  He scored twice in the game. 

Hector Rondon won his 11th game of the year, allowing three hits in six and two-thirds innings.  He struck out five and walked one. 

Scrappers 6, Valley Cats 4 (box)

A five-run fifth inning was all Mohoning Valley would need to top the Tri-City Valley Cats.  First round draft pick Lonnie Chisenhall was hit by a pitch on his right hand and had to leave the game in the first inning.  Isaias Velsquez went 2-for-3 in his place. 

X-Rays on Chisenhall’s hand are reportedly negative and he’s considered day-to-day.  Lucky, given the possible severity of said injury. 

In other news:

A cancellation notice on the Indians new Spring home?

Golden silly string?  Slider is apparently nominated for the Mascot Hall of Fame.  Have at it.

Don’t get too excited about Aaron Laffey’s eight-inning gem just yet.

Now, let’s see if Jeremy Sowers can get the same support that Carmona had.  He could use it after the last few outings.  Couple that with the fact that J.S. has an ERA north of 11 against the O’s, and he may need it that much more. 

Let’s go for five in a row…