Having been swept by the Oakland Athletics at home in a four-game series, the Cleveland Indians are desperate for a win. In addition to a five-game losing streak, Cleveland has come out victorious just once in their last 15 games. Even the most optimistic fans are starting to wonder if the bleeding will ever stop.
The Tribe enters a three-game series with the Texas Rangers beginning Friday, August 31 with Ubaldo Jimenez taking the hill for the struggling Wahoos. His inconsistency continues to be a major concern and the fact he has gone 13-17 with a 5.43 ERA since being acquired from the Colorado Rockies last season has many fans cringing when he takes the mound. He has shown flashes of brilliance at times but those cases have been few and far between.
All we can do is hope that the weekend series with Texas will not be as brutal as what was witnessed against Oakland.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field located in Cleveland, Ohio on Friday, August 31, 2012 at 7:05 p.m. EDT.
Ubaldo Jimenez (9-13, 5.58 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Rangers' Ryan Dempster (8-6, 2.99 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 55-76 record and in fourth place in the American League Central. They are 31-35 when playing at home and have won one of their last 10 games.
Texas comes into the matchup with a 77-53 record and in first place in the American League West. They are 34-28 when playing on the road and have won seven 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- .286 batting average, Shin-Soo Choo- 15 home runs, Jason Kipnis- 65 runs batted in.
Texas: Adrian Beltre- .311 batting average, Josh Hamilton- 36 home runs, Josh Hamilton- 112 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians, August 30, 2012: Fan Preview
Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians, August 29, 2012: Fan Preview
Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians, August 28, 2012: Fan Preview
Oakland Athletics at Cleveland Indians, August 27, 2012: Fan Preview
New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians, August 26, 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.
