Indians Confidential

Saturday night was one of those nights for the Indians where they strung hits together, but when they needed a big hit to put some runs across, they were futile in that department. The team was 0-for-10 at the plate with runners in scoring position, and it showed on the scoreboard as they dropped a 5-0 decision to the Reds in front of over 39,500 at Progressive Field.

They put base runners on all night long, with the only inning popping by without a runner was the third. In the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th they were able to put multiple runners on, but again, when they needed the big hit they were left with nothing in the tank. Reds starter Johnny Cueto was able to work out of each and every jam he got in, and was good enough to move to 6-8 on the season.

Paul Byrd started for the Indians, and as usual, allowed a homer early, this time as Adam Dunn laced his 19th homer of the season just over the wall in right to make it 1-0 in the first. It was the 21st homer that Byrd as allowed this season, a staggering number. He’s allowed homers in 8 straight starts. The other big hit of the night was a Paul Bako bases clearing double that gave the Reds a 4-0 lead in the 4th.

While Byrd was unable to get any run support with the team leaving runners on all over the place, he was able to pitch well enough to go six innings, allowing four runs on six hits, walking three and striking out four. His record now sits at 3-9, and his ERA is at 5.26. Rafael Perez gave up another run in the 7th to make it 5-0 when old pal Brandon Phillips drove in a run.

The loss snaps a modest two-game winning streak for the Indians, as they fall to 36-44 on the season, 8.5 back of the White Sox who won Saturday afternoon vs the Cubs. The Reds improve to 37-45. Sunday the finale of the set kicks off at 1:05pm, as Aaron Laffey (4-4, 2.83) goes for the Indians vs Bronson Arroyo (4-7, 6.52).