Category: Cleveland Indians (Page 47 of 96)

Joel Pineiro handcuffed the Indians Saturday as he went eight strong innings, giving up only one run in the Mariners’ 4-1 victory over the Tribe. Grady Sizemore got the lone run on a solo homer in the first inning. Cliff Lee pitched well but it was Pineiro who got the better end of the pitcher’s duel. The usually potent Tribe offense was held to only four hits in the ballgame.

“Pineiro was as good as any pitcher we’ve seen all year long in terms of a well-pitched ball game,” Wedge said. “He had it all working tonight. He had the sinker working, he was cutting the ball, he had a good changeup, he had the breaking ball going as well — and all with command.”

The Indians seemed to just have an off night with the bats and hopefully they’ll be able to bounce back and win the series Sunday.

The Indians’ offense continued to roll as Jake Westbrook pitched a solid ballgame. The Tribe beat the Mariners 9-4 Friday night as Westbrook got his third win of the season, giving up two runs in six innings. Jason Michaels hit his first home run of the season and had three RBI in the game. Sizemore was the only Tribe hitter without a hit, but managed to have an RBI in the eighth inning.

Starting pitching has no doubt been a problem recently but Wedge was very pleased with the way Westbrook pitched.

“We needed a good outing out of Jake and he gave it to us,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said.

The Oakland A’s gave the Tribe a taste of their own medicine Thursday as they blew out the Indians 12-4. The Athletics obviously were not happy with their performance on Wednesday and took it out on Jason Johnson. The Tribe’s fifth starter couldn’t get past the third inning as he gave up seven runs in the game. The damage was already done as the A’s scored nine runs in the first three innings. Nick Swisher had three RBI on two doubles for Oakland. Travis Hafner homered for his fourth straight game, giving him 11 dingers on the season.

“It was one of those days where I wasn’t getting the ball down and balls were getting through,” Johnson said. “To me it’s unexplainable right now. I have to forget about it, put this start behind me and make sure it never happens again.”

Paul Byrd can feel pretty comfortable these days. Every time he takes the mound, the Indians score like they are facing little-league pitching. The Tribe used a nine-run seventh inning to defeat the Oakland A’s 14-3 Wednesday night. The massive offensive onslaught was capped off by Casey Blake’s three-run homer in the seventh. Travis Hafner also got into the act once again, homering for his third straight game. Even the rookie made a contribution. Kelly Shoppach got his first major-league RBIs with a two-run single late in the ballgame.

The Tribe is starting to put together some solid starts by their staff and is allowing the offense to go to work. Hafner is on a tear and Michaels had one of his best games so far this season.

C.C Sabathia returned from the D.L and gave the Indians just what they needed, a strong pitching performance. The big lefty made his first start after being out for a month with an abdominal strain and pitched as if he were in midseason form. Sabathia, who seemed to be on a strict pitch count, got through five innings while giving up the lone White Sox run in the Indians 7-1 win Tuesday afternoon. Travis Hafner homered for the second straight game and tallied four RBI on the day as the Tribe pounded out 13 hits against Sox ace Mark Buerhle.

Having Sabathia back in the rotation is huge. Pronk agrees, saying his presence on the mound is a boost to the team.

“He’s a guy that’s very well respected on the team — the ace of the staff,” said Travis Hafner, who drove in four runs. “It’s a huge pick-me-up for everybody to have him back on the mound.”

As long as we stay afloat until our injured relievers return I think we will be OK. Perhaps the other starters were putting too much pressure on themselves when Sabathia was out. We now have our ace back finally and hopefully that will take some of the heat of Lee, Westbrook, and company.