If you recall, just three-some hours ago I was pondering what could be the outcome of Justin Masterson (1-7 versus Tampa Bay) against David Price (2012 Cy Young Award winner, never lost against Tribe). And Price against a team that hadn't scored a run since Thursday.
The outcome was made clear fairly quickly and there was never a doubt that not only would Masterson shut down the Rays but also the Indian batters would crush David Price. Huh.
Justin Masterson pitched 7 innings, just under 100 pitches. No runs, two hits, eight strikeouts. He just cruised through the game like he was running a AAA pitching clinic. His ERA is now .69 after 13 innings. So far this is the pitcher everyone has been saying that we needed. Is this real life? Wow, I hope so!
Joe Smith came in for the 8th and kept up what Masterson had started. Vinnie Pestano finished it off and actually struggled a little bit to shut those Rays down. He walked two and gave up a hit to load the bases but he ended up on top.
Before we get in to who hit what today, I'll quickly gloss over who didn't hit - Asdrubal and Swisher. I think that's pretty weird because those are, in my mind, the two team leaders. Let's imagine a scenario where they spent last night staying up late encouraging everyone to do better today. Right?
First up was Michael Bourn, who got his first homer and first stolen base today! A little late on the stolen base, dude, but hopefully the first of dozens! Bourn has been crazy consistent for us as a leadoff guy, much like Choo was at his peak last year. He's gotten nine hits and one walk in six games, including three doubles and that homer. He's only come around to score 3 times but at least he's setting the stage! I'm super excited that he's working as planned, because growing up in an era of Kenny Lofton I really love a good leadoff guy!
Michael Brantley had the day off, since our bench is so deep, and Ryan Raburn was filling in batting third. He went 1 for 4 with a double and a walk, and came around to score twice. Love that Raburn!
Mark Reynolds was the DH today, and today we're not disappointed in Mark Reynolds. In fact, we're impressed! He went 3 for 4 with a walk. He scored 3 runs and got 3 RBI because he hit two home runs and a double! Slugging: .950.
Speaking of slugging, Carlos Santana went 5 for 5 today with 3 RBI and scored 3 runs. He had a homer and two doubles. His average is a Brantley-beating .500 and that's after playing all six games! I never really put much thought into whether or not Santana would be outstanding this year. Decent? Of course that's expected. But if Carlos Santana is going to be markedly better than Victor Martinez this season? That would be amazing. I'm ready for an all-star catcher!
Mike Aviles was in today for Kipnis and he really got himself together, going 2 for 5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Much better than Friday when he really looked like he was struggling at the plate and on the field. This is what we want from a utility man!
Lonnie Chisenhall looked smooth today, going 2 for 5 with a homer off David Price and a double off Fernando Rodney. Rodney sure isn't himself this year, wow. He only gave up 9 runs last year and has given up 3 now this year in two appearances. I'm ready for the Chiz Kid to heat up - this is a good start!
Drew Stubbs was solid again today, this time at the plate. He got our first RBI of the day on a single in the 2nd, and went on to go 2 for 5 for the day. If your #9 guy is going 2 for 5 then it's a good day (of course if #9 gets up 5 times that's a good indicator right there!)
Today the team had five home runs (more than Tampa Bay's total hits), doubles and 17 total hits to score 13 runs. HOW ABOUT THAT?!
Tomorrow is opening day! Are you totally stoked? They'll be starting with the hoopla at 1 PM and pregame at 3. It's on channel 3 so all of us can watch! Ubaldo Jiminez versus RHP 13.05. You like those odds?
So excited - see you there!
Radio Chatter:
"Baseball is such a goofy game, it probably means that Masterson will throw a no-hitter and David Price won't make it out of the third inning."
- Tom Hamilton before the game
"You could start a brawl if somebody gets hit today."
- Tom Hamilton
"It tells you about Tampa Bay's lineup when your number nine hitter is also the DH."
- Tom Hamilton
"This. Is. Shocking. The Indians have lit up David Price."
- Jim Rosenhaus
"Most people don't like going to the dentist. Ryan Roberts has his own tat machine so he can go poking and prodding whatever he wants all over his body."
- Tom Hamilton
"Baseball is such a goofy game, it probably means that Masterson will throw a no-hitter and David Price won't make it out of the third inning."
- Tom Hamilton before the game
"You could start a brawl if somebody gets hit today."
- Tom Hamilton
"It tells you about Tampa Bay's lineup when your number nine hitter is also the DH."
- Tom Hamilton
"This. Is. Shocking. The Indians have lit up David Price."
- Jim Rosenhaus
"Most people don't like going to the dentist. Ryan Roberts has his own tat machine so he can go poking and prodding whatever he wants all over his body."
- Tom Hamilton
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