Bauer Goes the Distance in Cleveland Indians Loss to the Royals

Offense fails to support Bauer’s CG effort as Tribe fall 2-1

This hitting with runners in scoring position is proving to be a difficult task for the Cleveland Indians team. Starter Trevor Bauer went the distance for the Tribe, but a solo home run in the ninth by Eric Hosmer proved to be the difference as the Kansas City Royals sent the Indians to their eighth consecutive loss at home.

The Indians (45-54) looked poised to have a big inning in the fifth. Royals (61-38) starter Chris Young–with his slow and deliberate delivery–allowed Michael Bourn to motor around the bases (apparently he still can if he can get on base) and score after stealing second and third when Salvador Perez threw the ball away. The Indians loaded the bases for Brandon Moss–which is why they got a guy like him–but he swung at the first pitch, popping out to end the inning.

Bauer was fantastic, allowing just the two runs on only five hits, but his offense didn’t support him–which has become the theme for Indians baseball this year. Jason Kipnis went 3-for-4 to improve to .330, and Michael Bourn reached base three times. But the Tribe went 1-for-6 with RISP, failing to capitalize on their chances.

The Royals bullpen worked 4 1/3 scoreless innings, as Wade Davis (7-1, 0.41) continued to be dominant in earning the win. Greg Holland came on for his 22nd save in the ninth.

The Indians will turn to Corey Kluber to be the tourniquet to stop the bleeding at Progressive Field, and in this second half. The numbers aren’t on his side, as the offense hasn’t been very supportive–while he also has allowed 13 runs in 20 innings while going 0-3 against the Royals this year.

Next: Where do the Indians go from here?