A five-run sixth inning helped propel the Indians over the Tampa Bay Devil Rays by a score of 9-4 Sunday afternoon. Four of those runs came off the bat of Jhonny Peralta, who belted a grand slam. Quite unexpected for a guy who last homered on July 13.

“I saw the bases were loaded,” Peralta said, “and I thought, ‘A grand slam would not be too bad right here.’”

Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko also went deep as every Indian hitter got a hit in the game. Kelly Shoppach continues to hit the ball well, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. Jake Westbrook went seven innings and got his 10th win of the season for the Indians. The Indians were able to recover nicely from a disasterous Friday and pulled out two straight victories.

The Cleveland Browns have completed two pre-preseason games this year. The main thing General Manager Phil Savage and Coach Romeo Crennel are making clear is draft picks are going to play or at least get a chance to compete.

In the past, the Browns organization has been known to play veterans and free agents, while the rookies would take time adapting to the system. Savage believes that rookies should come prepared to play in the NFL, and the best way to gain experience is on the field.

The one major surprise has to be Jerome Harrison at running back. He rushed for over 1900 yards in college, but scouts felt the lack of defense in the Pac Ten attributed to his numbers. The ability that Harrison has displayed is the main reason Cleveland is shopping Lee Suggs.

The Browns have to be pleased with the production of these rookies so far this season. If these types of performances continue, Cleveland will be deeper on both sides of the ball than originally expected

The Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the best tailback combinations in the country. Antonio Pittman, who was second behind Archie Griffin, for most yards gained in a sophomore season. Chris Wells, the Parade Magazine All-American, who stood out in spring practice and turning some heads with his size and ability to gain tough yards.

Coach Jim Bollman is trying to avoid any controversy or media circus and points out that Pittman will start at tailback for the Buckeyes in game one. This type of depth at running back is a plus for Head Coach Jim Tressel, and something Ohio State hasn’t enjoyed in quite awhile. I still believe the Buckeyes will have to open up the field to win ballgames, but it’s nice to have a power and speed combination if you are playing “ball control” late in a game.

The Cleveland Indians need to start from scratch when building their bullpen for next year. I’m not sure I see a current player that has potential to help this team improve. We have traded, promoted and changed positions to find pitchers with the ability to set up or close and came up empty. The Indians have blown too many late inning close games.

General Manager Mark Shapiro has to think about a blockbuster trade or spending some serious money in the winter to create a bullpen. It’s very apparent that losing set up man Bob Howry was more painful than ever expected. I truly believe the starting pitchers are talented enough to keep us competitive, and we have shown we can produce the offense. I wouldn’t be surprised if one of the Tribe core players has to be traded to improve our ability to compete.

A three-run fourth inning helped the Tribe beat the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 5-3 Saturday night at Tropicana Field. For one day at least, Eric Wedge and the Indians found a solution for the closer’s spot. Tom Mastny struck out three in two innings to earn his first save of the season for the Tribe. Jeremy Sowers continued his solid pitching, allowing two runs in six innings and getting his fifth win of the season. The Indians’ runs were highlighted by a two-run triple by Jhonny Peralta and an RBI double by Andy Marte. Travis Hafner added his 37th home run in the seventh inning.

“He’ll get another opportunity,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “Mastny did a great job. The way he pitched tonight said a lot about his mental toughness. It was great to see for him and for us.”