The Cleveland Indians were close to having a respectable series against the Los Angeles Angels after their decisive victory on Monday, August 13. Then pitching fell apart yet again. On Tuesday, Ubaldo Jimenez allowed eight runs on eight hits in just four innings pitched. Roberto Hernandez followed that up the next night by giving up eight runs (five earned) on ten hits in six innings pitched.
Many fans have been so caught up in the "right-handed bat" outcry that they fail to see the true issue at hand. The Indians, if they want to compete, need solid starting pitching. Even Justin Masterson, the team's "ace" coming into the season has experienced his share of inconsistency during the year.
The Tribe will certainly have their work cut out for them as they enter a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics. Oakland is in a battle for one of the two wild card spots and will not go down without a fight.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Oakland Athletics at The Coliseum located in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, August 17, 2012 at 10:05 p.m. EDT.
Zach McAllister (5-4, 3.46 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Athletics' Tommy Milone (9-9, 3.91 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 54-64 record and in third place in the American League Central. They are 24-35 when playing on the road and have won four of their last 10 games.
Oakland comes into the matchup with a 62-55 record and in second place in the American League West. They are 34-26 when playing at home and have won four of their last 10 games.
The series:
The season series is currently stands at 2-1 in favor of the Indians.
Where to watch or listen:
In Cleveland: Television- STO, Radio- WTAM, Indians Radio Network.
Nationwide: Television and Radio via MLB.TV (Television blackouts apply in Cleveland market).
The batting statistic leaders:
Cleveland: Michael Brantley- .290 batting average, Shin-Soo Choo- 14 home runs, Jason Kipnis- 60 runs batted in.
Oakland: Josh Reddick- .251 batting average, Josh Reddick- 25 home runs, Josh Reddick- 60 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels, August 15, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels, August 14, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians at Los Angeles Angels, August 13, 2012: Fan Preview
Boston Red Sox at Cleveland Indians, August 12, 2012: Fan Preview
New York Yankees sign former Cleveland Indians' pitcher Derek Lowe: A fan's reaction
Sources:
All statistics provided by MLB.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Indians fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados or leave him a message on Facebook.
