Well, At Least We Had That One Inning
Obviously, the expectations for today’s offense were not too high. It didn’t help that Paul Byrd gave up six earned runs in only three innings on the hill. But regardless of who’s pitching, to give up four home runs (one of which was a grand slam) is rarely going to win you baseball games. No exception was today’s loss to L.A.
Mike Napoli, the eigth-hitting catcher, took Byrd deep with the bases juiced to give the Angels a 4-0 lead before the third inning even started. And while I was hating on our 6-7-8 combination coming into the game, it was the bottom of the order that did all of the damage for the Tribe. Jhonny Peralta apparently got the invite to the start of the season, going 3-f0r-5 with a huge home run to left field, and David Dellucci went 2-for-4, scoring once as well.
Of course, Jason Michaels went hitless in three at-bats, taking his average on the season down to .048.
If we’re going to look at this with a half-full glass, not long after Victor Martinez gave up five stolen bags to the Angels, Kelly Shoppach was able to hold the fort down, allowing zero swipes. Perhaps because home runs do not necessarily allow for baserunners, but the Angels did strand three so we’ll give him some credit.
The bullpen, while allowing two earned runs, did manage to only give up three hits in five innings of relief work. Julio, Kobayashi and Lewis all struck out a batter, and only Julio allowed a free pass. You can’t complain about that.
I’m willing to bet that the boys can’t wait to come home this weekend. Unfortunately, the weather isn’t looking too hot for the weekend series against the As. But they better get their act together if the following series against Boston will even be close.
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Cleveland fans have been waiting since 1964 for the Browns to win a title. Fans have waited since 1948 for the Indians to win a World Series. Fans have never witnessed a Cavaliers Championship. They have come close, but every year they are forced to wait. And wait they will. Because Cleveland sports is a tradition; a rite of passage for millions in Northern Ohio.
This site is the result of three such fans, who wanted to share their opinions, frustrations and hopefully victories with you.
April 9th, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Who woulda thought after all of the questions surrounding our fifth spot in the rotation that this is where we would be. Lee looked great in his first start, even after throwing about 150 pitches to the first batter, he found way to keep his count down enought to get the win.
Then there’s Byrd. What the hell? I mean seriously, I’m the one that always argues that steroids & HGH doesn’t help baseball players that much. Yeah, for anyone that I ever argued that with, I’m sorry…BYRD, PLEASE START TAKING HGH AGAIN!!!!!!!
Over/under is 4 on how many more starts Byrd gets to straighten it out.
April 10th, 2008 at 12:02 am
I had 4 in my mind as well Patrick. The worst part is that his movement is there, his velocity is just terrible. That sounds like either an injury, or stick a fork in him.