This Week In Indians Baseball: Week 4

GAME RUNDOWN

Overall, the Indians went 4-2 in the fourth week of the season. They opened up the week with a loss to the White Sox, but were able to bounce back and take the next two games to get the series win. The Indians were also able to take two of three from the heavy-hitting Texas Rangers proving, that they can beat even the best teams in baseball.

Game 21: White Sox 7, Indians 2

W: Chris Sale, L: Ubaldo Jimenez

The Tribe struck first, but the White Sox struck more often in Tuesday’s contest. The Indians were haunted by the third inning, in which a series of ugly plays allowed Chicagoto plate three additional runs after Gordon Beckham led off with a home run. The Indians’ bats were quiet and unable to solve the White Sox pitching staff. Jason Kipnis and Shelley Duncan both drove in runs, Duncan’s on his third home run of the season. (full recap here)

Game 22: Indians 6, White Sox 3

W: Joe Smith, L: Will Ohman

Jack Hannahan pushed the Tribe to victory on Wednesday with some late inning heroics.  The pitchers were able to keep the White Sox’ bats at bay and Travis Hafner capped off the victory with a two-run ninth-inning home run. Johnny Damon was silent in his debut to the Indians lineup, exiting the game early with what was described as “general cramping.” (full recap here)

Game 23: Indians 7, White Sox 5

W: Justin Masterson, L: John Danks

Jason Kipnis powered the Tribe to victory in front of his hometown crowd, hitting a home run and a triple while racking up four RBIs in the game. Also getting in on the action offensively were Michael Brantley, Casey Kotchman, Johnny Damon, and Asdrubal Cabrera as Justin Masterson pitched a quality start. (full recap here)

Game 24: Indians 6, Rangers 3

W: Jeanmar Gomez, L: Colby Lewis

It was a combined effort for the Tribe on Friday night for the Indians. Shin-Soo Choo got the Indians on the board early with his first home run of the season. After the Rangers added a run of their own, Jack Hannahan hit what appeared to be a triple, but upon further review was ruled a home run. Johnny Damon came through in his first game at home in a Tribe uniform at home, connecting for a two-run triple. Gomez was in control of one of the best offenses in the league, allowing only three runs on eight hits through seven innings. (full recap here)

Game 25: Rangers 5, Indians 2

W: Alexi Ogando, L: Joe Smith

The Indians fell to the Rangers in extra innings on Saturday. Derek Lowe was shaky but effective, limiting the Rangers to two runs through the first six innings. The Indians were unable to make some noise offensively until the eighth inning, when they tied the game with two runs. Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis led off the inning with singles and Brantley came home when Asdrubal Cabrera came through with a double. The tying home came home in the form of Jason Kipnis on a passed ball. Both teams were quiet until the eleventh inning, when Adrian Beltre sent a pitch from Joe Smith over the fence for a three-run homer after a questionable intentional walk to Mitch Moreland. (full recap here)

Game 26: Indians 4, Rangers 2

W: Ubaldo Jimenez, L: Yu Darvish

The Indians got exactly what they needed out of Jimenez on Sunday. Jimenez dominated the Rangers lineup, providing seven innings of shutout control. The lineup was able to provide enough offense against the much-hyped Yu Darvish to guarantee victory and a series win against the Rangers. (full recap here)