Cleveland’s Win Streak Snapped By Cueto

Aug 5, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians third base coach Mike Sarbaugh (L) and third base umpire Gerry Davis watch as right fielder David Murphy (7) is tagged out by Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ramon Santiago (7) in the seventh inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Gomes and Brantley Knock In Runs, But Cueto Dominates Through 9

In the second game of this year’s Ohio Cup (and one night after Corey Kluber threw another gem to earn the win), Johnny Cueto threw a complete game against the Tribe, allowing only two runs on five hits while striking out six.  Josh Tomlin and Carlos Carrasco combined to allow 9 runs as Cleveland was torn apart by the Reds’ offense.  However, they were helped by an idiotic ruling on a pickoff at third.  A stray throw from the Cincinnati bullpen came onto the field.  When David Murphy saw the ball, he took a lead at third, trying to read whether or not he should go home (since the ball was pretty far away).  However, Johnny Cueto had the other ball, and picked him off at third.  The umpires ruled that the blatant interference was fair, setting a dangerous precedent for major-league baseball.

The Positives

Well, Mike Aviles snapped his hitless streak.  Gomes continues to tear the cover off the ball.  Jose Ramirez got another hit, too.  He’s actually hitting close to .300 since being recalled recently, though with a lack of walks and power.  Lonnie drew a walk!

The Negatives

Kipnis had another ofer.  Josh Tomlin had another miserable outing, but we have to keep putting him out there because we literally have nobody else who can throw a baseball for 4 innings.  Speaking of which, Carlos Carrasco had a chance to prove he might deserve a starting role, but fell apart in the ninth.

Check It Out
–Kyle Crockett‘s season ERA is now at 1.37
-Mike Aviles snapped an 0-for-12 streak with a double in the first inning
-The Ohio Cup is tied at 1-1, with the next two games being played in Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati