Frustrated Indians Drop 5th Straight, Lose To Astros 3-2

The Indians frustration was evident as bats were slapped, flipped, slammed, and tossed into the ground after numerous at bats as the offense once again failed to capitalize on numerous opportunities. They were especially stung by the double play ball grounding into three rally killers in dropping their fifth game in a row 3-2 to the Houston Astros. Additionally, Brett Myers continued to frustrate Tribe fans by allowing 2 more homers.

For the 10th time in 15 games the Indians offense was held to 3 runs or less and this despite 8 hits and drawing 6 walks. With the loss the Indians record drops to 5-10 and the with the win the Astros improve to 5-11. Brett Myers took the loss (0-3, 8.08 ERA)  working 5 innings allowing 3R/ER on 5 hits (including 2 more homers) striking out 4 and walking 2. Cody Allen came in and worked 1.2 scoreless innings, Rich Hill came in and got the last out of the 7th inning, and Joe Smith worked a scoreless 8th.

Lucas Harrell earned the victory (1-2, 4.98) danced in and out of trouble and exited after 5.2 innings allowing 2R/ER on 5 hits striking out 4 while walking 5. Wesley Wright took over and worked 1.1 scoreless innings, Hector Ambriz worked the 8th inning, and Jose Veras came in to work the 9th inning and picking up his first save of the year.

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

It was an odd outing for Myers as he seemed to be battling some sort of injury. While the Indians were batting in the top of the 4th Myers was being attended to by trainer Lonnie Soloff and Cory Kluber was quickly warming up in the bullpen. Myers came out to work the fifth inning but a lead off single brought Terry Francona, Mickey Callaway, and Lonnie Soloff  to the mound to examine Myers. Whatever the issue was it was not enough to remove him from the game.The question remains to be answered if Brett Myers performance in 2013 is being affected by some sort of lingering ailment.

The Astros jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the 2nd inning. Carlos Pena drew a 1-out walk and J.D. Martinez launched a 2-run homer and Rick Ankiel followed with a solo shot. The Indians cut the lead to 3-2 in the top of the 4th on the strength of Lonnie Chisenhall‘s 2nd homer of the season driving in Mark Reynolds and cutting the lead to 3-2.

On Saturday night Scott Kazmir returns to a big league mound for the first time in nearly 2 years and he’ll be opposed by Phil Humber (0-3, 2.89 ERA).

Source: FanGraphs

The Good: Healthy Kipnis

• Jason Kipnis returned to the lineup and had two hits and stole a base. 

The Bad: Missed Opportunities

• With 2-out in the first inning the Indians put runners on 1st and 2nd thanks to an Asdrubal Cabrera double and a Nick Swisher walk but Jason Giambi took a called 3rd strike to end the rally.
• With 1-out in the third inning Jason Kipnis singled and Asdrubal Cabrera walked but Nick Swisher grounded into a double play.
• Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis drew back to back walks to lead off the fifth inning but Asdrubal Cabrera grounded into a double play.
• With 2-down in the top of the 7th Jason Kipnis and stole second and Asdrubal Cabrera ran the count to 3-2 before striking out on what appeared to be ball four. 
• Nick Swisher led off the 8th with a double and after Jason Giambi popped out Carlos Santana was given the unintentional/intentional walk.  Mark Reynolds chopped a 2-0 pitch back to the mound and the Astros turned the inning ending double play.

Interesting Tidbit: K-Factory

• The Indians pitching staff was looking to strike out 10 batter for their 4th consecutive game. The last time a Tribe pitching staff accomplished that was July 19 through 22, 1996. Unfortunately they fell one strikeout short.