The Cleveland Indians dropped their third game in a row and game one of three against the Kansas City Royals.
Indians starter Mike Clevinger gave up a three run home run that put the Royals up 3-0 in the first. That was all the damage Clevinger would allow as he settled down and pitched six strong innings. He struck out eight, walked two, gave up four hits and all three of his runs came in the first inning of play.
The Tribe was able to fight back after a Michael Brantley RBI in the third inning and a solo home run by Yonder Alonso in the fourth. The game had a minor rain delay and that seemed to get the Tribe focused. Alonso came back in the eighth inning and hit a two run homer that scored him and Jose Ramirez to put the team up 4-3 heading into the ninth inning.
That’s when trouble arrived in the form of back to back home runs off of Cody Allen. The Royals corner infielders, Ryan O’Hearn and Brian Dozier delivered the tying and walk off run to win game one. Here are three take always.
1. Jason Kipnis M.I.A.- The Indians second baseman has been a disappointment this season. He went 0-4 and is batting .218 for the season. Time is running out for the veteran to find his swing and manager Terry Francona may want to consider inserting Erik Gonzalez or Yandy Diaz into the lineup to get more production.
2. Cody Allen blown save- The Indians fought back and many thought they had the game won. The Tribe has dominated the Royals this season but back to back home runs given up by Allen dropped his record to (4-5) on the season and his fourth blown save of the year. He has a 4.50 ERA and the Indians may look to Brad Hand more in the playoffs, especially since his ERA is three runs lower than Allen’s.
3. Alonso continues to produce- Yonder Alonso hit his 21st and 22nd home runs of the year and brought his RBI total to 74 for the season. This marks the first time the slugger has had back to back 20 home run seasons and he has a career high in RBI this season. If Alonso can be consistent in the playoffs the Indians have four very capable power hitters.
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