Cleveland Indians Struggle in 3-2 Loss to Seattle Mariners

The Indians struggled in their first game against the Mariners, losing Friday night’s series opener 3-2 in Seattle. Trevor Bauer lasted 6 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on nine hits and two walks, while striking out five. The bats wouldn’t support Bauer’s strong performance, however, and even 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief couldn’t win the game for the Tribe. Right-hander Chris Young started for the Mariners, throwing five innings and allowing just one run on four hits and a walk.

May 25, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) pitches in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Key Innings
Bottom of the 1st, tied 0-0
The Mariners grabbed an early lead in the first inning. After Endy Chavez singled to lead off, Bauer retired the next two batters before allowing a stolen base. He then gave up an RBI-single to Kyle Seager for the first run of the game. Although the Tribe got on the board in the third with a Michael Bourn sacrifice fly, they would never lead.

Bottom of the 7th, Indians trail 2-1
After regaining the lead in the fourth inning with an RBI single off the bat off Brad Miller, the Mariners added to it in the seventh. This time, it was a solo home run from an unlikely source – Chavez — that would prove to be extremely valuable later on in the game.

Top of the 9th, Indians trail 3-1
With one out, Nick Swisher roped a single out to right field off of Seattle closer Fernando Rodney. Although David Murphy grounded out, Swisher was able to advance to second. Bourn’s two-out RBI single brought the Tribe within a run, but Rodney was able to close them out successfully and secure a win for the Mariners.

The Positives

Bourn went 3-for-5, including his RBI hit. Michael Brantley made an outstanding defensive play, catching a hard-hit ball at the wall before firing it in to nab the runner at first base. Bauer also pitched well, throwing a quality start despite the fact that he got charged with the loss.

The Negatives

Tribe hitters were only 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position, and although they only struck out eight times, it seemed to happen in key situations. The offense will need to find a level of consistency in order to stay in the pennant race.

Check It Out

– In 82 career plate appearances against the Indians, Seager was hitting .377/.415/.597 before going 3-for-4 on Friday night.

– Trevor Bauer is averaging 3.7 runs of support per game started. That’s below the league average of 4.2 runs per game.