Indians Confidential

Just another night at the office for the Indians pitching staff, as tonight it was C.C. Sabathia’s turn to do what the staff has done best as of late - throw a shutout in topping the A’s 2-0.  Sabathia continued what is becoming a historic trend for the Tribe, as the staff threw its 7th shutout of the year, fourth in last five games, and fifth in last eight.  The team also extended its streak of scoreless innings to 43 innings, and have allowed one run in 48 innings.  Wow.

Let’s start with Sabathia, who was better than at any point in 2008, this vs a team that had been 2-0 against him and his ERA vs the A’s coming in was 14.54 in two starts.  He dominated, allowing five hits, walking two and striking out 11.  It was C.C.’s 2nd double digit strikeout game of the year, and 13th of his career.  He moves to 3-5, and in his last three starts has allowed one earned run in going 2-1.

The offense was, as usual, not all that productive, but did the job.  They got a homer to start the game from Grady Sizemore, his 7th of the season, to make it 1-0.  Their other run came in the 4th when Ryan Garko hit his second homer in as many days, his 4th of the season, making it 2-0.  That was all the team would need.  They did pound out five hits, but other than the two homers off of A’s starter Joe Blanton, the team never was able to get anyone across home.

As far as the standings go, the win moves them to 21-19, they have won 8 of 10, and finally have started playing well at home, winning five of their last six on this homestand vs the Blue Jays and A’s.  They will look for the sweep tomorrow vs the A’s at 12:05pm as Aaron Laffey (1-2, 1.83) will look to continue the shutout streak as he takes on Greg Smith of the A’s, who is 2-2.