Alfredo Simon lulls Tribe bats back to sleep

Tigers 4, Indians 1

Box Score

Tribe falls to 6-10

T.J. House took the mound for the Indians, replacing the sick Trevor Bauer, and before the first pitch was even thrown there was an impending sense of doom. Last time out against Detroit, House was had the worst start of his MLB career. Facing a team that is weighted heavily with right handed bats coupled with that recent ineffectiveness, it was pretty clear that it would be a tall task to walk away this afternoon with a win.

The Tigers jumped out to an early 2-0 lead after loading the bases in the first with nobody out. Indians batters would get on the board with a run in the 3rd, but the Tigers would respond with runs in the 3rd and 4th. The score at the time, which would go on to be the final, seemed closer that it felt for the remainder of the game. House would exit after 3, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 3. The bullpen would go the remainder of the game giving up just one more run.

On the other end, the Indians couldn't solve Alfredo Simon. The junkballing, eephus throwing pitcher put last night's power output right back to bed. In the end, the Indians batters not named Michael Brantley combined for 4 hits and 2 walks. Hardly enough to cover a 3 run deficit in Detroit.

Speaking of Brantley, I think it's fair to say that the good Dr. is finally getting settled into a groove after back stiffness kept him out of the lineup for a good portion of the opening weeks of the season. Brantley went 4 for 4 today with 2 doubles and a stolen base. He drove in the lone Tribe run on the day, plating Jason Kipnis in the 3rd, who went 1 for 4 with a stolen base of his own.

Despite a deflating loss today, they can still take the series with a win tomorrow. They will face Kyle Lobstein, who will hopefully prove less troublesome than Alfredo Simon and his 10 thousand different offspeed pitches.

Win Expectancy Chart

Roll Call

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