The Cleveland Indians continued thier offensive success for the second consecutive straight game and defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers by a score of 6-1.
Another successful offensive day for the Cleveland Indians as they tallied 12 hits and scored six runs against the Los Angeles Dodgers. This is the second consecutive game where the Indians managed to get 12 hits. After some hot and cold performances from the Tribe hitters, this upward trend is a good sign.
Indians regular hitters were productive at the plate
Hanley Ramirez got his first hit as a member of the Indians. An RBI single which drove in Carlos Santana. The spring has not been kind to Hanley, but this could signal a move in the right direction.
Jake Bauers has also faced adversity this spring but did manage to go 1-3 from the leadoff spot. Jose Ramirez went 1-3 and scored on an error in the fourth inning. Kevin Plawecki also went 1-3 as he is showing he is more than capable of being a backup to Roberto Perez. Greg Allen also got in on the 1-3 parade. Allen has been tearing it up this spring and figures to get a starting role once the regular season starts.
Indians role players also were productive
It is going to be hard for the Tribe to not put Oscar Mercado on the Opening Day roster if he keeps this up. Mercado went 2-2 Wednesday and is batting over .400 this spring. Mike Papi, Alex Call and Yu Chang all went 1-1 on the day.
Eric Stamets and Ernie Clement both went 1-3 and are making their case to at least be considered for a spot on the Major League roster. Although both may be better off starting in AAA to get regular at-bats.
Another strong day from the Indians pitching staff
Mike Clevinger got the start and went three innings, allowing one hit and striking out three. There was a scary moment as Clevinger was hit on the hand by a line drive, but he stayed in the game and continued to pitch.
Oliver Perez pitched the fourth inning and allowed one run on two hits while striking out one batter. When the regular seasons starts it is not all that likely that Perez will pitch an entire inning on a regular basis. Perez may be used in certain situations similar to how he was deployed last season.
Tyler Clippard pitched the fifth inning and struck out two batters. Cleveland’s late signing of Clippard appears to be working out for both parties as he may have already locked down a bullpen spot.
Jon Edwards managed to strike out three batters in his only inning of work. Nick Goody followed Edwards and allowed two hits, but none would score. A.J. Cole relieved Goody and struck out one batter in his only inning of work. Brooks Pounders bounced back from a rough performance and struck out three batters in the ninth inning.
The Indians face the Arizona Diamondbacks at 3:10 P.M. Thursday.
