Indians Must Win Next Two Against Tigers

The Indians post-season chances are dwindling as the days pass. After a loss to the Tigers yesterday, the Indians are now 7.5 games back in the division. With 24 games left in the season, the Indians must start gaining ground before it is too late. This charge must start by winning the next two games against the Tigers.

The Indians suffered a tough loss yesterday, in a game in which saw the return of Grady Sizemore. He went 0-4, but he did have an RBI groundout.

Ubaldo Jimenez pitched a good game, with the exception of the three run home run he gave up to Victor Martinez in the fourth inning. It proved to be the difference in the 4-2 final.

Fausto Carmona will take the hill for the Tribe tonight and will square off against Rick Porcello of the Tigers. Wednesday’s game will see Justin Masterson square off against Justin Verlander, in a game that should be dominated by pitching.

One thing that the Indians have on their side is that they have five remaining games against the Tigers. However, if they go into the final three, which are the last three games of the season, more than three games out of the lead those games become meaningless.

The Indians must win these next two to win the series. If they can do this, they will be 5.5 games back with 22 games to play. This is a give the Tribe a realistic possibility to reach the playoffs, as they would only need to gain 2.5 games before the final three games of the year to have a shot at the playoffs.

However, if they lose the next two games they will be 9.5 games back. A near miracle would be needed for the Indians to overcome a deficit that large.

For the Indians to make a run at the playoffs, the offense will need to step up. The lineup will be bolstered by the return of Grady and of Jason Kipnis who is expected to return in the next few days, but everyone will need to do their part. The pitching has been great all season, but it has been the offense who has struggled.

The Indians season may be on the line tonight, so let’s all hope for a great outing by Fausto Carmona and some run support from the offense.