The Cleveland Indians move up to a .500 record, keeping the Boston Red Sox winless. It is clear that the better team won in this game, considering the Tribe’s current team batting average of .290 versus the Red Sox’s .186.
Not everyone on the Indians’ lineup had a successful night. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo still struggled in the batters box, as he did not have one hit in the game. Choo’s defense has not been dented in slightest, despite his slump. Choo made a throw to home plate to catch Red Sox right fielder J.D. Drew.
The Indians’ offense took advantage of the Josh Beckett/Jarrod Saltalamacchia combo. Asdrubal Cabrera, Matt LaPorta, and Michael Brantley each tallied a stolen bag. Cabrera and Brantley, along with Travis Hafner, also each hit a double facing Beckett.
Orlando Cabrera, Jack Hannahan, and Carlos Santana collected one RBI apiece, responsible for scoring the three runs: Hafner and both Cabreras.
Josh Tomlin absolutely shined on the mound this evening, adding his first win of the season. Tomlin pitched the first seven innings allowing only three hits and one earned run with three strike outs. Tomlin’s ERA is now 1.29 on the season.
Tony Sipp came in the eighth and Chris Perez ended the game in the top of the ninth both holding the Red Sox to their only run.
Before this the game, according to ESPN’s 2011 Power Rankings, the Red Sox were ranked seventh with a 0-3 record, whereas the Indians were ranked 30th with a 1-2 record. After this game it has become clear how overrated Boston is, now 0-4, and that Cleveland has a shot to be a real threat this year, now 2-2.
The teams will have a rematch tomorrow evening at 7:05 PM ET at Progressive Field.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com