Carmona, Indians Continue Struggles Against A's

Score: Athletics 7 Indians 3


Turning Point: Chris Denorfia drew a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the fourth off Fausto Carmona. It was Carmona’s eighth walk of the night, and that made the score 3-1. Although the Indians did make it 3-2 in the sixth, the Indians were never close to taking the lead.


Analysis: Poor pitching and poor hitting do not win ball games. The Indians squandered several opportunities at the plate, and let Lenny Dinardo, who’s ERA was 54.00 coming into today’s game, look like Johan Santana. From a pitching standpoint, Carmona didn’t have his best stuff again. He was ok, but it was clear after the bases loaded walk that he did not have it tonight. The pen was solid except for Rafael Perez, who allowed his four runs on three hits. That nullified any chance of a comeback.


MVP: Daric Barton
Barton continues to kill the Indians with timely hitting. He was only 1-4, but his hit was a two out single to drive in Oakland’s first two runs. That made it 2-0 early, and put Carmona on the ropes. Barton is hitting .363 off Tribe pitching this season.


Extras:

- Joe Borowski pitched for the first time since he gave up Torii Hunter’s walk off grand slam in Anaheim. JoeBo pitched an inning of work, striking out a batter, and didn’t give up a hit or walk.

- Jensen Lewis was a workhorse tonight. Lewis pitched 2 2/3 innings not giving up a run, and striking out two.

- Cleveland was 0-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.


Next Up: The Indians look to avoid a sweep at the hands of Oakland for the second time in a week. Cliff Lee was the man for the job last Sunday, and he looks for a duplicate performance, as he gets the nod tomorrow. Lee is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Oakland will send Chad Gaudin out to square off against Cleveland. Gaudin is 0-0 with a 11.25 ERA. First pitch will be at 1:05 PM from Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland.