It has seemed like an eternity since the Indians last won a game. It was Justin Masterson’s last turn in the rotation ironically. But somehow the Tribe losing streak ended at 2 tonight. That is because the past 2 games at Progressive Field were postponed due to rain outs in the final 2 games in the Opening Series against the New York Yankees.
The last time the Indians played, the rotation was in big trouble due to having to pitch Brett Myers in a day he wasn’t scheduled to start. Corey Kluber was called up from Triple-A Columbus to pitch on Wednesday. Then Zach McCallister was scheduled to start yesterday. With both games being rained out, Masterson started today in a game where you need the ace of the pitching staff to take over and pick the team up for a win.
Masterson proved to be The Masterpiece tonight, pitching a complete game shutout, giving up only 5 hits. He also struck out 7 White Sox batters, only walking 1. It was a night of dominant pitching for both teams. Jose Quintana pitched 7 innings of shutout baseball as well. He allowed just one hit, to Michael Brantley, striking out 7 Indians batters.
In the bottom of the 9th, Michael Bourn got a one out double down the left field line. With Asdrubal Cabrera unable to drive in Bourn, Jason Kipnis drew a 2-out intentional walk. Nick Swisher would officially introduce himself to the Indians fans, and the AL Central with a walk off single driving in Michael Bourn securing Cleveland’s first home win of the season.
Justin Masterson improves to 3-0 with a 0.41 ERA after 3 starts. The time of the game was only 2 hours and 19 minutes. The home attendance was 11, 864 at Progressive Field.
My Thoughts:
That is what your number one pitcher is supposed to do. The Ace of the team steps up and puts the team on his shoulders when you need a win. Masterson has taken the role of ace since last season when he was named opening day starter. But not till tonight has he really shown that he wants to be that guy. Masterson has set the bar for the rest of the staff, he is now leading by example.
As far as the low attendance for tonight, I won’t make a big deal about it. The weather was around 40 degrees with rain conditions, so I wont make a big deal. The weekend should be nice days to see the Tribe.
Nice to see Nick Swisher come through. Swisher is a player who is going to take pitches and be clutch, your two newest additions came through tonight, with Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher in the bottom of the 9th for the win.
Coming Up Next:
Tomorrow afternoon Zach McCallister face off against left hander Chris Sale, first pitch is at 4:05 at Progressive Field.
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