Indians News: Price is Wrong for Tribe, Fall to Tigers

One day, the Cleveland Indians will figure out Miguel Cabrera (or at least figure out how to walk him).  Friday was not that day.

The Detroit Tigers downed the Indians 4-0 in the series opener, with all four RBIs coming at the hands of Miggy.  Cabrera took Tribe starter Danny Salazar deep in the sixth inning for his 13^th home run of the year.  The blast to dead center was a no-doubter and put the Tigers up 3-0.  Cabrera plated one more in the eighth inning, doubling home Ian Kinsler.

The other highlight of the night was the performance from David Price.  Price went the distance, striking out eight and walking no one in his nine innings of work.  The Indians did manage to scrape together seven hits, including two hits each from Michael Brantley and Mike Aviles, but were simply unable to plate any baserunners.

A large component of Cleveland’s offensive woes came from Price inducing four double plays.  In the top of the sixth of a scoreless game, Jose Iglesias and Kinsler came together to turn a stellar double play on a groundball off the bat of Carlos Santana.  The double play ended the inning and was a palpable shift in momentum; a momentum which carried with the Tigers into the bottom of the inning and through the rest of the game.

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The Good

• Jason Kipnis went 1-4 on the evening, extending his hitting streak to eight games.
• Giovanny Urshela continues his Major League productivity, picking up one of the seven Tribe hits.
• Salazar did not pitch poorly, save for the fastball Cabrera deposited into the stands. On the evening, Salazar went 7.0 innings with six strikeouts and one walk.  He allowed seven hits and three earned runs.

The Bad

• The Indians were shut out for the third time this season. Price needed just 93 pitches to hurl his complete game gem.
• Despite constant assurance that C.C. Lee is on the verge of Major League success, he continues to struggle. Cabrera’s double in the eighth was stroked off of Lee.  His 2/3 innings of work and earned run caused his ERA to raise to 13.50 on the year.
• Nick Swisher has not been able to follow in Yan Gomes’ footsteps of post-DL success. Swisher’s 0-for-3 day dropped him below .200 on the season (.198).

What’s Next

• Justin Verlander will make his 2015 debut against the Indians on Saturday. He will be countered with Carlos Carrasco in the 4:08 PM start from Comerica Park.
• In four games with the Columbus Clippers, Jose Ramirez is batting .333/.444/.400. He has knocked in one, scored twice, and stole three bases.
• Lonnie Chisenhall is also hitting well: .333/.429/.417. Lonnie has knocked in two, scored once, and has also collected one SB.

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