What Was The Best Pitching Performance For Indians In 2014?

Who Had The Most Impressive Start For Indians In 2014?

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The Cleveland Indians starting rotation had several memorable pitching performances in 2014.

One measure we can use to evaluate the magnitude of each of these pitching performances is Bill James’ Game Score.

To calculate Game Score, a pitcher starts with 50 points.

A pitcher can earn points by recording outs, finishing innings, and striking hitters out. The scoring is as follows: add one point for each out recorded, add two points for every inning completed after the fourth, add one point for each strikeout.

At the same time, the pitcher loses points for hits, runs allowed (earned and unearned), and walks. The scoring is as follows: subtract two points for each hit allowed, subtract four points for every earned run allowed and two points for every unearned run, and subtract a point for each walk.

Game One: June 28th – Indians 5 Seattle 0

Josh Tomlin dominated the Seattle Mariners, allowing just one hit while striking out 11 and walking one in a complete-game shutout over the Seattle Mariners. His outing earned him a Game Score of 96, which was tied for fourth (with Jordan Zimmerman) in the majors behind Clayton Kershaw‘s (102), Madison Bumgarner (96), and Jake Arrieta (97).

His Game Score of 96 also ranked tied for third in franchise history behind Dennis Eckersly and Len Barker who each tallied a 98 in their no-hit efforts and Bartolo Colon (97).

Game Two: September 17th – Indians 2 Astros 0

Carlos Carrasco put an exclamation mark on his return to the starting rotation by delivering a gem against the Houston Astros, holding them to just two infield hits, both by league leader in hits Jose Altuve, while striking out a career-high 12 batters. The outing resulted in a Game Score of 94, which was tied for sixth in the league.

Carrasco’s outing impressed Altuve.

“Carrasco was unbelievable,” Altuve said. “He was throwing a splitter, fastball, curveball and slider. In my first at-bat, he was throwing me fastballs right down the middle and I couldn’t hit them. That’s when I knew I was in trouble. I got two hits, but I didn’t hit it past the infield.”

Game Three: July 24th, Indians Fall To Royals 2-1

Corey Kluber dominated the Kansas City Royals for nine innings, allowing just two hits and an unearned run, striking out 10 and walking none, resulting in a Game Score of 91. Unfortunately, the Indians were unable to capitalize on Kluber’s performance as the Royals defeated the Tribe in 14 innings.

In the last 10 seasons, only three teams whose starting pitcher registered a Game Score above 90 have lost: James Shields took the double dose of despair registering a Game Score of 94 in a game that was not only lost by the Tampa Bay Rays, but also being tagged with the loss against the Baltimore Orioles (September 2, 2012). The Cubs lost a game started by Travis Wood who registered a Game Score of 93 on July 10, 2010.

Game Four: July 30th: Indians 2 Mariners 0

After stifling the Kansas City Royals on July 24, Corey Kluber came back to throw a complete-game shutout, defeating Felix Hernandez and the Seattle Mariners 2-0.

He allowed just three hits, stuck out eight, and did not issue a walk to earn a Game Score of 89.

Game Score is just one measure of a pitchers performance. You may have another game that you feel should have made the list. If so, let us know in the comments below on on Twitter at @WahoosOnFirst.

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Who Had The Most Impressive Start For Indians In 2014?

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