The first weekend of the 2019 season wasn’t pretty for the Indians, more so for their offense which is (to say the least) a work in progress.
The offense was once again in hibernation mode, and unlike the first two days with Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer having strong starts, this time they didn’t get that from Carlos Carrasco.
Sunday Carrasco was beaten up for six runs on 10 hits in just 4.1 innings, as the Twins built a big lead and cruised to move to 2-1, dropping the Tribe to 1-2.
With snow on the ground the Indians home opener is a day away, as the team will turn to Mike Clevinger Monday at 4:10pm as they take on the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.
Here’s a few takeaways from an ugly effort Sunday at Target Field.
1. Carrasco Cracks
Indians starter Carlos Carrasco simply didn’t have the command or movement on his pitches, and the Twins made him pay for it.
The Twins were aggressive, hitting a number of first pitch throws, and they also got ahead in the count which was a key to their success at the plate as well.
The Twins pounded Carrasco for six runs once he was removed, 10 hits, and while Carrasco was able to get an early double play which helped and he did strikeout four, the Indians didn’t have a chance to rally with Carrasco struggling.
The Indians starter will be back on the mound Saturday at Progressive Field against the Blue Jays.
2. Wiff, Wiff, and More Wiffs
The Tribe offense was ugly all weekend, and they were lucky to get the win they did thanks to a couple wild pitches and a clutch sac fly by Greg Allen.
Other than that, and maybe the Hanley Ramirez homer that gave the Indians an early 1-0 lead on Saturday, there was not many highlights for this offense.
Overall in three games – 5 runs, 12 hits, 39 strikeouts. The inability to even get a bat on the ball is alarming to say the least, and this team had better start to make contact in a hurry.
The problem is you’re playing 3-4 players that really were never expected to be starting, and while they are on the roster for a reason, it’s been painful to watch the first three games.
3. Come on Home
The home opener for 2019 is upon us, and finally fans will get a chance to cheer on their home team starting at 4:10pm on Monday.
Mike Clevinger, who was the starter in the playoff loss to the Astros in the ALDS last year, will get a chance to get the team off to a good start, and it would be a huge lift if the offense against the White Sox can give the team a lift.
They are 1-2, don’t panic, there was a few positives in this first three game set, but again the offense was not one of them.
They do have five starters who we know will keep them in games, here’s hoping that they can start to put some hits together and give those starters some support.
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