Game Previews

Game #134: Texas Rangers (78-54) at Cleveland Indians (56-77)

By Mike Brandyberry

Don’t look now, but the Indians are heading toward nearly unchartered territory.

No, this isn’t some new achievement in futility, crowning a new low in a dismal second half, but the Indians have a chance to win a series for the first time in six weeks. The Indians hard-fought 4-3 victory last night evens the series and gives the Tribe a chance at a series win this afternoon before embarking on their newest ten game road trip.

Cleveland used a big first inning, plating all four runs, and a quality start from spot-starter Jeanmar Gomez. Carlos Santana drove in two with a single to left centerfield and Jack Hannahan and Casey Kotchman provided fielder’s choices to give the Indians four runs early. Gomez pitched into the sixth before a bullpen, without Chris Perez, slammed the door on a one-run lead.

Today, the Indians will send Zach McAllister (5-5, 3.82 ERA) to the mound in hopes of taking the series. McAllister was on the mound July 26 when they last won a series. He struggled in his last start, allowing five runs and nine hits in four and one-third innings against the Oakland Athletics last Tuesday in a 7-0 defeat. McAllister has never faced the Rangers in his career but does seem to pitch better at Progressive Field. This year he has held opponents to a .263 average at home.

If the Tribe is to find a series victory today, they’ll have to do it against the team’s biggest kryptonite, a left-handed pitcher. Southpaw, and Newark, Ohio native, Derek Holland (9-6, 4.90 ERA) will try to send Cleveland back to their losing ways. While the Indians are a paltry 14-30 against left-handers, Holland’s dominance over the Tribe could be even stronger. Holland is 2-0, with a 2.16 ERA in four career starts against the Indians. He did allow five runs—only three earned—over six innings in a 6-5 victory against Tampa Bay last Monday.

Perez was unavailable last evening due to the birth of his daughter yesterday evening. While Perez has not been placed on the Paternity List, he may not be available today. The team did recall Frank Herrmann from Triple-A Columbus this morning. Herrmann has pitched most of the season with Columbus, making a team-high 42 appearances, but has also made five previous appearances with the Indians. With expanded rosters, the Tribe’s active roster now stands at 29 players.

Cleveland and Texas faceoff at 1 pm this afternoon from Progressive Field, with rain in the forecast. The television broadcast will be on WKYC-3 and the radio action can be found on the Indians Radio Network.

Cleveland Indians Starting Lineup
1. Jason Donald, 3B
2. Jason Kipnis, 2B
3. Carlos Santana, 1B
4. Russ Canzler, LF
5. Thomas Neal, RF
6. Brent Lillibridge, SS
7. Matt LaPorta, DH
8. Lou Marson, C
9. Ezequiel Carrera, LF