Talk about bouncing back…
For the Cleveland Indians, following a 2-1 loss Saturday, the team was looking to bounce back and secure the series win over the Detroit Tigers Sunday afternoon.
After surrendering five runs in the first four innings and down 5-2, things seemed pretty bleak for the Tribe.
That’s when the offense began to mount it’s comeback
A sacrifice fly by shortstop Andres Gimenez, single by catcher Austin Hedges, and double by infielder Ernie Clement all scored three runs to tie the game back up at five runs a piece.
The game remained tied until the seventh inning when outfielder Bradley Zimmer blasted a two run home run right in front of the bullpen in right center field to give the Tribe a 7-5 lead.
With no minor league options left and competition for playing time in the outfield this year and next, Zimmer has been trying to standout for the ballclub. He also had a towering double to the same spot in deep right center earlier.
“He’s got the skillset to impact the game,” Indians interim manager DeMarlo Hale told reporters following the win on Sunday.
Zimmer has flashed his athleticism and defensive skills so far this season, but if his power starts to return with how well he has gotten on-base this season (.352 OBP), he definitely has the potential to start on opening day next season.
Can I get a hand here?
Zach Plesac didn’t have his best stuff on Sunday afternoon, allowing five runs, four of them earned, to score in his four innings pitched. Despite only allowing two hits, Plesac walked three Tigers and allowed one to score with a passed ball.
Indians interim manager DeMarlo Hale said following the game that Plesac had “a little struggle with his command,” pointing out that at one point he had thrown the same number of balls as strikes.
Hale also made note of the defense, saying that he “didn’t think the defense helped him early on.” In the third inning, catcher Eric Haase was safe on a fielder’s choice, with the throw by third baseman Jose Ramirez being mishandled by Clement. That throw would have gotten Tigers infielder Jonathan Schoop out at second, but because of the miscue, instead allowed him to advance to third and score on a wild pitch from Plesac to the next batter.
The defense was able to lock itself down, but miscues like that are ones that can be costly, especially for a team with an offense that has been inconsistent this season.
It’s Miller Time
Indians young infielder Owen Miller hit his second home run of his career and first at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario on Sunday afternoon in the second inning.
Miller, 24, has hit two home runs in the past eight days since being called up after the MLB Trade Deadline. He also played at first base today, filling in for Bobby Bradley, who is still dealing with his knee injury that pulled him from action on Friday night.
What’s next?
The Indians will be taking on the Cincinnati Reds on Monday at 6:10pm at Progressive Field. Taking the ball for the Tribe will be the big southpaw Sam Hentges (1-4, 7.86). For the Reds, right hander Luis Castillo (6-10, 4.09) gets the start.