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Indians 9, Tigers 4 (box)

While not dominating, Fausto Carmona took a giant step forward yesterday.  Granted, anything near mediocrity would have gotten positive reviews compared to his last outing.  Carmona gave up five hits in six and a third innings, while inducing 11 ground ball outs.  Couple that with his three strikeouts, and there were not many fly balls coming off of the bats of the Tigers yesterday.

Though losing balls in the sun and recording three errors, the Tribe was able to overcome adversity by simply keeping the Tigers off of the basepaths.  Rafael Perez and Masa Kobayashi combined to throw two and two-thirds innings of one-hit ball, with Perez fanning three.  Three runs scored in the eighth inning made the game a non-save situation; something I’m alright with given Masa’s recent pitching. Though Asdrubal Cabrera recorded his fourth error of the season (four?!?) yesterday, he managed to reach base during every plate appearance with a hit and three walks.  His patience paid off, as Cabrera managed to cross the plate twice – something we’ll need a lot more of if he’s going to continue to receive at-bats.  And don’t look now, but the second baseman is batting .203!

And while we’re talking averages, Sal Fasano went 2-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored, lifting his average to .320.  These catchers are on fire lately!

Grady Sizemore moved a bit closer to Carlos Quentin after a three-run home run, his 27th of the season.  Grady finished with four RBI on the day.

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Now, I’m just wondering which Jeremy Sowers shows up tonight: the one who couldn’t buy a win to start the season, or the one who nearly tossed a perfect game during his last outing?  He’ll have his hands full, as we’ll be facing Nick Blackburn.  The righty only allowed four hits against the Tribe less than a week ago.