The Cleveland Indians fell short against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday, July 17 by the score of 4-2. Indians' starter Josh Tomlin gave up three runs in the first inning highlighted by a Carlos Pena two-run home run. Cleveland runs came off a Jose Lopez sacrifice fly in the fourth and a Jason Kipnis RBI-single in the fifth.
Frustration continues to mount as the bases were loaded in both frames yet only one run crossed the plate in each of those innings.
Taking the mound for the Tribe will is Justin Masterson who is coming off one of his better starts of the season against the Toronto Blue Jays giving up no runs and just five hits over seven innings. Unfortunately in his last start against the Rays, he allowed eight runs on nine hits over just 4 1/3 innings. Fans can only hope his performance will be akin to his last start against Toronto and not of his prior against Tampa Bay.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field located in St. Petersburg, Fla. on Wednesday, June 18, 2012 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.
Justin Masterson (6-8, 4.14 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Rays' Jeremy Hellickson (4-6, 3.48 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 46-44 record and in third place in the American League Central. They are 22-23 when playing on the road and have won five of their last 10 games.
Tampa Bay comes into the matchup with a 47-44 record and in second place in the American League East. They are 26-22 when playing at home and have won four of their last 10 games.
The series:
The season series is currently stands at 3-3.
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- .300 batting average, Jason Kipnis/Asdrubal Cabrera- 11 home runs, Jason Kipnis- 51 runs batted in.
Tampa Bay: Ben Zobrist- .250 batting average, Carlos Pena- 14 home runs, Luke Scott- 43 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Cleveland Indians at Tampa Bay Rays, July 17, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians at Toronto Blue Jays, July 15, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians at Toronto Blue Jays, July 14, 2012: Fan Preview
Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Indians, July 6, 2012: Fan Preview
Tampa Bay Rays at Cleveland Indians, July 5, 2012: Fan Preview
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.
