Cleveland Indians crush Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 – MLB Recap
The Cleveland Indians crushed the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 in the first game of their four-match regular series encounter on Thursday, July 5 at Progressive Field.
Indians who were coming with a 2-1 series win over the Los Angeles Angels, played tremendously against the Rays and won in style.
Starter Josh Tomlin allowed only two hits with one run as the Indians power past the Rays with a two run advantage.
He tossed seven innings and received one earned run and struck-out three batters as his ERA also remained consistent at 5.45.
Right-fielder Shin-Soo Choo also played well and helped the Indians with his two hits and one run along with an RBI. He put on a brilliant display and showed everyone why he is considered to one of the most talented players on the field.
"He was the ideal guy, He's a natural for that." Manager Manny Acta said for Choo.
Later Michael Brantley also commented on his team-mate’s tremendous performance and said, "He's been phenomenal, It's nice to have somebody on base with the two, three, four guys coming up. It gives us a big boost, it's going to create more runs and hopefully he can keep swinging it the way he is. He looks real good."
Rays’ on the other hand, played a decent game but still their effort could not match the Indians’ brilliant play.
"This was just a good ballgame that was lost, I have no problem with the way we played. Their guy has been tough against us. He was sharp." Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said.
Rays’ starter Jeremy Hellickson gave two runs, five hits and two earned runs while he maintained his 3.41 ERA with great accuracy. His pitching was fine but the Rays’ batting line-up did not give any helping hand to its pitchers who lost the game with bitter humiliation.
The Indians will be hoping that their decent performance in this first game of the series can be replicated. The team will be looking to carry their winning momentum forward for a possible series victory over the mighty Rangers.
Texas will be looking to improve their defensive stance and build up some much needed confidence in their line-up.
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