Kluber Rebounds with Complete Game Gem

Sep 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) delivers in the second inning against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Tribe Ace Fans Eight, Pitches Complete Game Gem

Coming off his roughest outing of the year against Detroit, Corey Kluber bounced right back by tossing 104 pitches over nine innings without allowing a walk or earned run.  The only blemish on his outing came from an error by rookie first baseman Jesus Aguilar, who once again went hitless for the Tribe.

The Indians fell behind early on that same error, but a solo homer by Carlos Santana tied it up in the bottom of the fourth.  Jose Ramirez would later sock a triple off former Wahoo Zach Putnam to score Michael Bourn all the way from first base, and later come home on a Michael Brantley single to give the Indians a 3-1 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Positives

Brantley had another multi-hit game and added another steal, putting him ever closer to his first 20/20 season.  Ramirez continues to impress at the plate and in the field.  Kluber was absolutely outstanding and gave the bullpen a much-needed rest. Santana continues to mash the ball and is on pace for a career high in home runs.

The Negatives

Lonnie Chisenhall had a second consecutive rough outing against a lefty.  Aguilar looked completely overmatched at the plate and sluggish in the field.  And Yan Gomes had his hitting streak snapped.  Not many major complaints.

Check It Out
-Kluber moved up once again on the list for most strikeouts by an Indians pitcher in a single season, passing Luis Tiant.
-Kluber also moved into first place on the AL list for FIP-based WAR, according to Wahoo’s on First writer Nick Wheatley-Schaller.
-Brantley bumped his batting average up to .315 on the year.