Tribe Shuts Out Tigers In 4-0 Win; Three Takeaways

2. Brantley’s Fifth Inning At-Bat

The moment that shifted the game into Cleveland’s favor.

In the fifth inning, Brantley worked Justin Verlander in a nine pitch at-bat that ultimately scored the first run of the game.

Brantley foul-tipped three pitches in the at-bat with a 2-2 count. With a full count after a high fastball, Brantley hit a curveball to right-center that fell perfectly into the gap.

Brantley’s double scored Lindor, who singled in the previous at-bat. Brantley ended the night going one-of-three from the plate, and this critical moment sealed the win for the Tribe, even if the eighth inning never happened.

“That’s a byproduct of [Verlander] having good pitches. I’m just battling trying to get a mistake,” Brantley said of going deep into the count against Verlander in the fifth inning.

Bradley on going deep into the count against Verlander @NEOSportsInside pic.twitter.com/rXdJwWFYle

— Ashley Bastock (@AshleyBastock42) July 9, 2017

Dr. Smooth’s patience and ability to work Verlander paid off big time, and ultimately paved the way for the eighth inning offense.

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