Collapse – Borowski Gives Up Slam to Hunter as Tribe Falls 6-4
Things seemed to be going the Indians way on Monday night in Los Angeles as they scored three runs in the ninth to take a 4-2 lead over the Angels. Then of course – enter Joe Borowski. The closer that always makes you sweat did that and more, as he got an out, but then a single and two walks later, JoeBo gave up a walk-off grand slam to Torii Hunter, and with that the Indians are back to under .500 at 3-4 following the Angels 6-4 win.
In almost a rerun of last years collapse of Borowksi in the early part of the season when he allowed Alex Rodriguez to hit a walk off homer against him early in the year in New York, this type of loss reminds fans why Borowski is just like a gas can. You never know when a fire is going to land by that gas can, and when it’s going to explode, just like last night.
The Indians, after their 2-0 start, have dropped four of their last five. Yes, it’s early, and yes, they are out west where it’s not easy to win, but losing two games to the A’s and pitchers who wouldn’t be on a lot of rosters, and then to blow a game like last night is very frustrating. The team did finally put a good inning together in the 9th with three runs on hits by Victor Martinez, Jhonny Peralta and Casey Blake, but it was all for not.
Some of the positives included another good start by Fausto Carmona, who went six innings, allowing four hits, one unearned run, and while he allowed five walks, he lowered his ERA to 0.69 in two starts. Martinez was back, going 2-for-4, and his hitting and being in the lineup will be a boost. Also was good to see Peralta get some hits, as he went 2-for-4 to raise his average to .241.
Overall this was one of those tough to swallow losses, and it would be nice to see Jake Westbrook come back tonight and get the series back to 1-1 and for this team to try and wrap up this trip with two straight wins before they host Oakland then the Red Sox and Tigers starting Friday night at Progressive Field.
Here are the local stories for last night’s collapse:
Matt has covered Major League Baseball and the "other two" Pro teams in Cleveland since 1994. He has been on the beat of the Indians in full-time mode since 1996, working for various raido and print networks around the country.
