Keys to game #1 against the Reds- 1.) Keep the momentum going. The Indians are coming off an extra inning win. The Indians beat the Rangers- walk off by Brantley in the 12th- which pretty much sums up the story book year he is having. The win itself was exciting... but Murphy hitting a two run homer in the 9th to tie it up which led to extra innings was encouraging. Players are beginning to get their confidence back in place. Yes... they had a hard time getting to Darvish. But Darvish was dealing yesterday. The Tribe did not give up, and battled back against the Rangers bullpen. Not only did we avoid commiting any errors... but we had some spectacular plays that potentially saved runs. The win yesterday also completed the sweep. So take that excitement... that emotional high.. and carry it over to todays game. Run hard and play smart. Battle till the very last out. 2.) WIN the Pitching Duel. The Reds have the same exact record that the Indians have: 56-55. The Reds are in 4th in their division, we are 3rd. This is a big four game series for both teams. Not only are they battling for Ohio...but for a potential wild card spot... and dare I say for the Tribe... possibly the division? These two teams are very evenly matched. The Reds have very good pitching... we see Simon today. He has a 12-6 record, and a 2.84 ERA. He is a good pitcher. I might be concerned... but this guy named Kluber is making the start against Simon for the Tribe. He is coming off a complete, 85 pitch, shutout game. Oh yeah... and of those 85 pitches... only 16 of them were balls. I would feel confident saying that there is no other pitcher as hot as he is right now. I see him coming out and doing more of the same. He will keep us in the game... but we need to... 3.) Give Kluber run support! This means we need base hits. This means we need some RBIs. This means when we have bases loaded that we get the clutch hits! Kluber should have 14 or 15 wins under his belt with the way he has pitched thus far this season. But the offense has not always been able to give him the run support needed. We owe him some runs. You better believe he will do his part. Now lets make sure the offense does their part. Detroit starts a series with New York (who is also in the hunt for a wild card spot) tonight. KC has a scheduled off day. The Indians need to focus on keep winning series... lets start by taking game one..and keep moving forward.
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 13:44:55 +0000