Indians Confidential

The Indians had a golden shot to move to 15-22 on Friday night, but blew it with their usual crappy bullpen. Saturday they played flat in Tampa Bay, as they were shut down by Rays starter Matt Garza and eventually fell 4-2. Garza went 6 innings, going allowing two runs on five hits with four walks and three strikeouts.

There was little offense for the Indians, they went down 1-2-3 in the first two innings, then had two baserunners on walks in the third and Asdrubal Cabrera flied out to end that inning. In the 4th they had two hits and two on with two outs, and Kelly Shoppach grounded out to end that threat.

They fell behind 3-0 after five innings, and while they did rally to make it 3-2 in the 6th, the Rays rallied for a big run off Aaron Laffey to ice the game at 4-2. Carl Pavano went 5 innings, allowing three runs on six hits. He falls to 3-4 on the season, his ERA now sits at 6.33.

Laffey pitched three innings, allowing the Rays 4th run, he gave up two hits, walked two and struck out three. Three Rays relievers shut down the Indians on just one hit and five strikeouts. The team still whiffs way too much and way too often in big spots.

One positive is Victor Martinez, who has to be an All-Star in July. He is hitting .409 after a 3-for-4 day at the plate. Now at 14-24, the team is back to 6.5 out of first in the AL Central. They will battle the Rays again on Sunday.