By Mike Brandyberry

Sunday the Cleveland Indians were swept out of Oakland when Coco Crisp hit a three run home run to help the Athletics thump the Tribe, 7-0. It was the second of three games that appeared uninspired and lethargic for the Erie Warriors.

Little did we know, Indians closer Chris Perez was showing passion during batting practice prior to the game. Perez confronted a heckler on the right field rail before the game. The fan was shouting at Perez, who was shagging fly balls in the outfield, and the Tribe closer came over and had a verbal altercation with the fan. Each used profanity, each could have been classier. While Perez has been bold in the media, he’s backed his comments up and stated he wouldn’t have made those barbs when they were losing, yet now the team has lost 18 of 22 and the barbs seem to continue.

Sometimes the Indians can’t seem to even lose the right way.

Tonight, the Indians will try to make their statements on the field. The Tribe enters on a five game losing streak, while Seattle is on a five game winning streak. Cleveland sends the league leader in walks and wild pitches to the mound this evening in Ubaldo Jimenez (9-12, 5.62). He helped the Indians lose the first of their current losing streak, allowing eight runs in four innings last Tuesday against the Los Angeles Angels. He’s 1-5, with a 8.83 ERA in his last seven starts and while he has deemed himself a , “work in progress,” so far the product leaves much to be desired.

Seattle counters with their own struggling veteran in Kevin Millwood (4-10, 4.28). The former Indians starter and American League ERA champ in 2005, is 4-2 with a 4.74 ERA since leaving the wigwam. Lately, Millwood has not received run support from his offense. He’s only received two runs over his last three outings and earned a no-decision in a 3-2 win against Tampa Bay on August 14.

Game action slated to start at Safeco Field at 10:10 pm ET this evening. The contest can be heard on WTAM-1100 AM and the Indians Radio Network and seen on the television side on SportsTime Ohio.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Jason Kipnis, 2B
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
4. Carlos Santana, C
5. Michael Brantley, CF
6. Shelley Duncan, DH
7. Casey Kotchman, 1B
8. Ezequiel Carrera, LF
9. Jason Donald, 3B

Seattle Mariners Starting Lineup
1. Dustin Ackley, 2B
2. Michael Saunders, CF
3. Kyle Seager, 3B
4. John Jaso, DH
5. Justin Smoak, 1B
6. Eric Thames, RF
7. Miguel Olivo, C
8. Trayvon Robinson, LF
9. Brendan Ryan, SS

Photo: AP Photo/Reed Saxon