jimmythegreek Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 Cleveland/Minnesota over 4.5 -110: After Minnesota (55-69) raced out to an early 5-0 lead after the bottom of the first inning Tuesday night, Cleveland (63-61), who used a total of 8 pitchers, answered with 7 over the next 5 innings as the Indians upended the Twins 7-5 at Target Field. Kyle Crockett (3-0) came on in relief of a battered Trevor Bauer in the bottom of the 5th to earn the win while Cody Allen pitched a scoreless 9th for his 16th save in 17 opportunities. Rookie Tyler Holt arrived just 30 minutes before first pitch but hit a go ahead 2 run double in the 6th inning off loser Brian Duensing (3-3). Yan Gomes went 3 for 4 including a solo HR and Zach Walters drove in 2 more with a single. Kyle Gibson was not factored in the decision giving up 5 runs on 8 hits in 5.3 IP. Oswaldo Arcia slugged his 13th HR for Minnesota, a 3 run shot in the bottom of the first in a losing effort. Game 2 of this 3 game series takes place this evening at 8:10 EST. Cleveland, who now trails Seattle by 4 games in the chase for the second AL wildcard spot, sends TJ House (1-3 4.13) to the hill. The 24 year old rookie southpaw, who several times has been shuttled between AAA Columbus and the bullpen has not won since July 5th but has at least temporarily returned to the Indians rotation. House faces a Minnesota lineup that has seen their offense respond playing for pride scoring 4 runs or better over their last 5 contests. The Twins are hitting .247 overall and are averaging about 4.2 runs per contest, however their achilles heel has been consistent power as evident by their 99 HR so far this season.Kurt Suzuki (.302 3 49) leads the club in hitting but is 0 for his last 11 and will be given the night off. Brian Dozier (.232 20 53) far and away leads the Twins in power but is mired in a 2 for 25 slump (.080) over the past week. Trevor Plouffe (.241 9 58) is tops in RBI but has been used sparingly as of late due to a foot injury. Joe Mauer (.277 4 32) has hit safely in 6 of his last 7 games (.333) however has not put up numbers in 2014 anywhere near his annual averages. Danny Santana (.313 5 28) has shown versatility given his limited contribution as a rookie in and out of the Minnesota lineup. Arcia (.230 13 36) has homered in each of the last 3 games and has 5 over his last 8. Minnesota counters with Ricky Nolasco (5-8 5.99) who has been flat out hammered over his past few starts. His latest defeat at the hands of KC 6-5 the 31 year old righty yielded 5 ER on 7 hits in 6 IP. Nolasco faces a Cleveland lineup hitting .254 overall averaging just under 4.4 runs per contest slugging 119 HR collectively. Michael Brantley (.319 18 80) is 5th in the AL in batting despite cooling off a bit as of late. Gomes (.285 17 53) has done a fine job behind the plate and remains a power threat for an Indians squad chasing their fortunes into the playoffs. Carlos Santana (.230 21 59) just recently hit his first HR in the last 16 games and is mired through a 5 for 27 slump (.185). Lonnie Chisenhall (.289 11 46) is just 3 for his last 21 (.143) and has recently received some rest after coming off a torrid middle of the summer. Nick Swisher (.208 8 42) will miss the rest of the season after needing double knee surgery. David Murphy (.262 7 55) could likely be out until the latter part of September after a strained oblique. We get a relatively fair price this evening at a venue where it seems like both of these ball clubs go toe to toe traditionally slugging it out. At Target Field the dimensions don't seem rather challenging at 339 and 328 respectively to the corners, but the ball doesn't carry nearly as well to straight away center at 412. Statistical trends favor the pitchers over the hitters despite the stadium noted as open air. Nolasco could likely have his work cut out for him as these Indians, especially away from Progressive Field can go on scoring binges. On the other hand, House who rarely makes consistent appearances as a starter, could use a ton of run support from an offense that has squandered numerous opportunities despite the ability to build big innings. As evident by their cellar dwelling position in the AL Central, the Twins would love nothing more to play the spoiler's role against the Tribe who is right in the midst of the postseason race with several other qualifiers. We've dropped our last 4 but have hit 5 straight overall totals. Let's hope a 6th puts an end to our first half losing streak as we salvage what has otherwise been nothing short of a crazy season. Best of luck however you play! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D-Hustle Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 good luck jimmy. let's win so we can get out of the basement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharp Square Posted August 20, 2014 Report Share Posted August 20, 2014 GL tonight JTG ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trytrytry Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 nice to see you posting these here greek..GL and thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest boatboatboat Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 Thank you so ever much for joining us Jimmy If you care to post you plays we also have picks sub forum. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wiskers Posted August 21, 2014 Report Share Posted August 21, 2014 one of thee best there is. jtg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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