Cleveland Indians squander another opportunity for series win

The Cleveland Indians squandered another opportunity to beat a good pitcher on Sunday afternoon, allowing Sonny Gray to escape with one run of damage in a shaky first inning for the A’s All-Star starter. Trevor Bauer did his part in limiting the damage but the Indians, again, were done in by an absent offense.

Key Moments

First Inning

In a start much like the Tribe’s first inning against Johnny Cueto right after the break, the Indians were able to plate one runner (Lonnie Chisenhall) on a sacrifice fly off the bat of Jerry Sands in the first inning. Gray struggled with his command early on and walked both Chisenhall and Michael Brantley before allowing a single to Carlos Santana. Despite loading the bases with one out, the Tribe managed just one run – a theme that has really plagued them for much of this season.

Fifth Inning

Up one run, Bauer lost control for an inning and surrendered two walks and a single to allow Oakland to knot the game at one.

Tenth Inning

After retiring the first two hitters of the inning, closer Cody Allen allowed an 0-1 single to Sam Fuld before Mark Canha clubbed an RBI double off the wall in left field to lose the game and split the series in Oakland.

The Positives

-As has really become customary for the Tribe, especially over the last several weeks, Cleveland got another solid outing from its starting pitcher. Bauer worked 6.2 innings, allowing just four hits and striking out six. The outing sent his season ERA back below 4.00, as the only blemish was the four free passes.

-Chisenhall reached base on three separate occasions out of the leadoff spot. He is now 4-for-11 since returning to Cleveland.

The Negatives

-As has been their Achilles heel all year, the Indians struggled again with runners in scoring position. This time, it was the two rookies – Francisco Lindor and Giovanny Urshela – who stranded two runners apiece in scoring position. Lindor had his opportunity in the top of the tenth with runners at second and third, but fanned on a 3-2 fastball.

Check It Out

-After such a miserable showing with the Tribe, Brandon Moss is already making his presence felt in St. Louis. The veteran slugger pinched hit and delivered a walk-off hit to give the Cards a 3-2 win over Colorado.

-Cleveland stays in California for a three-game set starting tomorrow in Los Angeles where they will take on recent trade casualty David Murphy and the Angels. After being swept by the Dodgers (including a walk-off tenth inning loss on Sunday), the Halos have now lost six consecutive games and nine out of their last 10. Cleveland currently sits seven games back of the Angels for the first Wild Card spot.

Next: Kipnis could be headed to the DL