CLEVELAND– The Indians (5-5) and Detroit Tigers (4-5) will face off in game two of this series on Tuesday night. In game one, The Indians came away with a 2-0 win as Corey Kluber pitched eight innings and recorded 13 strikeouts.
Time: 6:10 p.m.
Starting Pitchers: CLE Josh Tomlin (0-1, 24.00) vs. DET Matt Boyd (0-1, 1.50)
TV: SportsTime Ohio
Online: MLB.TV
Radio: WTAM 1100 AM, WMMS 100.7 FM, Indians Radio Network
1. Tomlin rebounding
Josh Tomlin had a rough start to the 2018 season a week ago against the L.A. Angles. He allowed eight runs in just three innings and gave up four homers, tying a career-worst start.
Mentally, more than anything, Monday will be important for Tomlin to try and bounce back. Last year against Detroit, he had a 1-0 record and 4.35 ERA in two starts.
If it is another rough outing though, it certainly helps that Corey Kluber went eight innings last night, meaning the bullpen is rested. The only reliever utilized on Monday was Andrew Miller, who recorded one strikeout and threw just nine pitches in the ninth inning.
2. Supporting runs
If you have watched even one game in this homestand so far, you know that no one has put up a lot of runs at Progressive Field yet this year. In their first four games at home, the Tribe have put up just eight total runs, and a lot of that has been due to the weather.
But weather aside, it should also be noted that last year the Tribe struggled to put up runs on Boyd. He ended the season with a 1-2 record against Cleveland in four games, but had 2.28 ERA.
Based on the other games at Progressive Field this season in similar conditions, three runs could be the sweet spot today as far as securing a win.
3. Manufacturing runs
One thing the Indians have done a good job of is manufacturing runs due to smart base running. They have 10 stolen bases on the year and have been caught stealing just twice.
Currently, they are first in the American League and tied for second in Major League Baseball with the Phillies when it comes to their stolen base numbers. Leading the way for Cleveland are Francisco Lindor and Rajai Davis, each with three stolen bases. Bradley Zimmer has also recorded two.
Until the weather lets up, manufacturing runs with smart base running could ultimately decide some games for the Tribe.
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