Tribe Rallies, but Tomlin Falls Apart in Tough Loss

Sep 4, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Victor Martinez (41) hits a three-run home run in the 11th inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Indians Come Back From 4-0 Deficit, But 7 Run 11th Propels Tigers

The Cleveland Indians have had more than their fair share of memorable come-from-behind victories and walk-off wins this season.  Unfortunately, Thursday night was not one of them.  After yet another rough first inning from rookie Trevor Bauer put the Indians behind early, Cleveland managed to fight tooth and nail to even the score.  The game went into extra innings, but the offense failed to steal another walk-off victory before Josh Tomlin got absolutely obliterated in the top of the 11th inning.  He gave up 5 runs while recording just one out, serving up a homer to former Indian Victor Martinez en route to a disappointing series loss for Cleveland.

The Positives

Michael Brantley and Michael Bourn had two hits each.  Yan Gomes continues to hit for power, adding another double to his numbers.  Nick Hagadone, C.C. Lee, Bryan Shaw, Cody Allen and Scott Atchison combined for 4.1 scoreless innings.

The Negatives

Bauer’s struggles in the first inning put the Indians in a bad position.  Once again, he was terrific afterwards, but he needs to get his early game figured out fast if the Indians want to have any chance of making the playoffs.  Tomlin just doesn’t appear to be a serviceable major league option.  He’s been terrible since his one flukey memorable performance of the year against a Seattle offense that was struggling at the time, and he just can’t seem to take the mound without giving up at least one home run.  He simply doesn’t belong on a contending team.  Zach Walters added two more strikeouts and zero more hits to his season total.  He did draw a walk, though.

Check It Out

-Hagadone lowered his ERA to 1.31
–Bryan Price has given up at least two runs in both of his appearances this year. He came over with Hagadone and Justin Masterson in the Victor Martinez trade.