Recap
Box Score
Win Probability Added @ Fangraphs
Highest WPA:
Victor Martinez .068
Casey Blake .053
Trot Nixon .039
Lowest WPA:
Fausto Carmona -.348
Grady Sizemore -.082
Travis Hafner -.056
Besides the Paul Byrd HGH allegations and one of the worst playoff losses in a long time, it's a fantastic day to be a Tribe fan.
Fausto Carmona was downright horrible last night. Rafael Perez was even worse. Travis Hafner looks like he'll finish his career without another base hit. Joe Borowski, in a tuneup for a possible Game 7 save opportunity, pitched to eight Boston hitters before retiring the side.
There were three bright spots: Aaron Laffey, who pitched 4.2 scoreless innings and save the good portion of the bullpen for tonight. Trot Nixon, who went 2-for-3 against Curt Schilling. And Victor Martinez, who singled and homered off Schilling.
But those three couldn't make up for otherwise hideous performances from Carmona, Perez, and the rest of the offense. Indians pitchers walked 8 Red Sox and gave up 13 hits in eight innings. That's 21 base runners, folks, not counting two Indian errors.
The saving grace to this abomination is that the Indians could make this all go away if they win tonight. If Jake Westbrook pitches well again, if the offense figures out that being patient at the plate might help, Game 6 of the 2007 ALCS could become something to laugh at years from now.
Next Up: You know. Westbrook vs. Matsuzaka, 8:21 PM