Tagged: Manny Acta

Game 16 & 17 – Heading to KC, The Battle for First

Game 1 of this four game series against the two teams battling for the top spot in the AL Central ended as one might expect:  in extra innings.  Fortunately for the Tribe, they came out on the better end of the score, after putting across 4 runs in the top of the 10th, to put the Royals away for good.  

What I liked most from that game was that the Tribe trailed and were able to battle back.  Most of their wins so far this season, the Tribe have never had to come back from a deficit.  It was nice to see that they have that in them.  Oh, and Shelley Duncan, you are a pinch-hitting machine.  My goodness.
Game 2 of the serious felt similar, however, with a different outcome.  Bruce Chen was fantastic, and the Indians had a hard time figuring him out.  The Royals were up 5-0 before the Indians were able to get involved late.  
Down 5-3 going into the 9th, Cleveland was able to push one more across on the Shin Soo Choo bases loaded walk.  At that point, it was all up to the ice cold Carlos Santana.   He watched three pitches go by.  Oh, and they were all strikes.  Can’t hit if you don’t swing, Carlos.  
Now, I know he’ll come around.  He’s got the talent, no doubt.  But I think Manny Acta should consider dropping him down in the lineup a bit and giving Travis Hafner the #4 spot in the order.  I feel if Pronk is up in that situation, the Tribe wins the game.  
Anyhow, the Indians still have a hold of first all by themselves in the AL Central, with the Royals a game back.  Game 3 of the series is tomorrow night, 8:05 ET.
Go Tribe