Reds Topple Corey Kluber and Cleveland Indians, 4-0

Sep 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) pitches in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Cleveland Indians win 7-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Todd Frazier and Kristopher Negron Lead Reds Over Cleveland Indians

With their 4-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday, the Cleveland Indians saw their Cactus League record fall to 6-9 as Spring Training rolls along.

Despite the loss and Corey Kluber‘s performance on Tuesday afternoon, Indians fans need not worry. Kluber is in the process of getting his arm and arsenal of pitches into game shape. So while it is easy to look at his numbers and the two home runs surrendered, it’s important to remember that these games don’t count. It’s about getting ready for when they do.

As for the game, the Reds jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Solo home runs from Frazier and Negron put the Red Legs up 2-0 on Kluber. The Reds then added a third run on a wild pitch. Kluber eventually settled down, ending his four innings with three runs on three hits and two walks.

The Reds added their fourth and final run of the day in the top half of the fifth. Billy Hamilton singled to center off of Bryan Shaw to plate Negron.

Meanwhile, the Indians’ bats were held silent all day by the Reds pitching staff and starter, Mike Leake. Michael Bourn tallied two of the Indians’ four hits. Francisco Lindor and Lonnie Chisenhall each had a hit apiece.

Despite the offensive shortcomings of the Indians on Tuesday afternoon, they did get a bit of good news. Nick Swisher was running the bases today on the Indians’ practice field. This is an encouraging sign while Swisher continues to recover from knee injuries that cut his 2014 season short. If Swisher can continue to run the base paths pain-free without experiencing any setbacks, he could begin to see regular playing time very soon.

Next: Indians and Kluber Working on New Deal