The Cleveland Indians dropped the first game of their pre-All-Star break road trip in Baltimore, losing to the Orioles by a score of 13-0.
Not a good start for the Indians in Baltimore. Only amassing six hits in their 13 run loss to the Orioles. Five players were able to get hits for the Tribe. Oscar Mercado was the only player with multiple hits, going 2-4. Carlos Santana went 1-3 with a walk. Jason Kipnis, Roberto Perez and Bobby Bradley all went 1-4. Yu Chang, Jake Bauers and Francisco Lidnor all were hitless in the contest. Things should turn around offensively in Saturday’s and Sunday’s games.
Mike Clevinger got the start for the Tribe and things did not go well. Clevinger only lasted 1.2 innings and got hit hard. Giving up seven runs on five hits while walking three. This was not exactly the performance that Clevinger expected and that the team needed. Mike Clevinger is a much better pitcher than what he showed Friday. Like the offense, Clevinger should be able to bounce back next time out.
Adam Plutko pitched some meaningful innings even though he also was hit hard. Plutko allowed five runs in 4.2 innings on nine hits and one walk. While this outing was also quite lackluster, Plutko did bail out the bullpen for the next few days. If Plutko would have been unable to pitch as many innings as he did the bullpen would be in quite a tough spot Not having multiple quality relievers in a close game is not optimal. Now they will have their best bullpen arms at their disoposal. This will allow the Indians to use their best bullpen arms when they are needed. Hopefully the games will be a bit closer and their outings will be a bit more important.
