When it Comes to Credit, Indians Collectively Pass the Buck

Not long after Shelley Duncan drove a 94-mile-per-hour fastball from the hand of Chicago reliever Matt Thornton to the left field wall in Progressive Field, plating what would ultimately serve to be the game-winning run in a rain-soaked outing with a depleted bench, the Cleveland Indians left-fielder wasted no time in handing the credit to those who came to bat ahead of him. For if not the two hard-fought bloop singles which landed in shallow right field prior to his plate appearance, Duncan’s line drive would have meant little if only to further amplify just how much success he has against those with a southern paw. Though Tony Sipp gave up the longest, hardest hit foul ball in recent memory and Joe Smith allowed what was then the game-tying run, manager Manny Acta gave applause to their work out of the bullpen; Smith was not supposed to be available in the game, but his ability to throw two-thirds of an inning saved the few fans in attendance from witnessing outfielder Michael Br...