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Yesterday’s Game: Cleveland 11, Seattle 4
LGT Recap - indians.com recap - cleveland.com recap
The Indians took full advantage of Seattle’s defensive ineptness, scoring 7 unearned runs in yesterday’s game. The Mariners committed 5 errors, and that could have been more had the official scorekeeper not been generous on a couple plays. Yan Gomes hit two home runs, Francisco Lindor hit his 33rd to lead off the game (setting a team record for middle infielders), and Jose Ramirez hit his 28th.
Tribe News
The game wasn’t all good news, as both Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana would leave the game for precautionary reasons. Bruce fouled a pitch off his foot, while Santana was pulled a couple innings after his shoulder was bent back in an awkward collision at first base (he had precautionary X-rays after the game).
Before the game, Terry Francona announced that Mike Clevinger would pitch out of the bullpen in the ALDS. He didn’t say who would be slated to start Game 4 if the series went that far, but Josh Tomlin seems to be the only other option. I’m not a fan of moving a starter into a potential high-leverage situation, especially given how well the bullpen has performed this year. Clevinger at times has trouble with command, and it’s imperative for a reliever to come into the game throwing strikes. I don’t see what the Indians gain with this move.
The Indians also sent Shawn Morimando home for the season, as he hadn’t pitched since being recalled on September 1. The Indians are not optioning him, so he’ll get major-league service time and pay for the remainder of the regular season.
Around MLB
The Yankees clinched a playoff spot, meaning that at the very least they’ll play in the AL Wild Card game.
The Brewers beat the Cubs in extra innings, keeping them very much in the NL Wild Card mix (which seems to be the only race that will go down to the final weekend).
The Indians hold a 1.5 game lead over the Astros for the best record in the American League, which is basically a 2-game lead given that the Indians hold the tiebreaker.