Matt LaPorta's two run homer (8) turned a one run deficit into the winning margin off Oakland pitcher Vin Mazzaro as the Cleveland Indians snapped a five game losing streak with a 3-2 win over the visiting Athletics.
Justin Masterson (5-12) was the winning pitcher and Chris Perez pitched the final inning and two thirds for save number 16.
The Indian coverage continues tonight against the Royals,since the Pirates start in Milwaukee takes that out of any chance of taking the tape to work.
Josh Tomlin (1-3) for Cleveland against former Pirate top pick Bryan Bullington (1-2) for Kansas City are your pitchers.
Pittsburgh will throw James McDonald (2-3) at Milwaukee versus Chris Narveson (9-7).
War Chants
1) Matt LaPorta's homer won the game for Cleveland,but the play that made it happen was Trevor Crowe's single with two out that gave LaPorta the chance to hit.
Crowe went with the pitch and took it the other way,exactly what non-power hitters should do and often don't.....
2) LaPorta had just four hits in his previous 45 at bats before the shot into the seats.
LaPorta's struggles (along with Michael Brantley) make the C.C. Sabathia trade look not so great,but the Indians are just now seeing what they have in LaPorta.
Why the Tribe signed Russell Branyan to the detriment of LaPorta's development still makes me shake my head.
3) Chris Perez's long outing to earn the save is uncommon anymore,but years ago a two inning or so was quite common in the days of Gossage,Sutter and Fingers.
Sometimes the outs you need in the seventh or eighth inning can be just as important,if not more than in the ninth.
4) Justin Masterson pitched as well as I have seen him yet,but I believe that with his stuff and motion,he will play better in the bullpen as either an eventual closer or setup man...
5) The evening was marked by Puppypalooza,an event where fans can bring their dogs.
One Boxer on the STO broadcast looked exactly like Big Ed.
These are fun to see on TV,but I kinda doubt I would enjoy being there very much...
Bullpen Notes
Looking at this list of teams that have their affiliations end with big league teams next month,it appears that both the Pirates and Indians are staying with the pat hand.
Pittsburgh has already signed extensions through 2012 with all of their teams,while Cleveland only needs Kinston and Mahoning Valley,both of which are expected formalities.
I have heard from various sources that the AA Eastern League looks to have one deal done off the record.
Harrisburg would add the Giants,while Richmond would gain the Nationals.
Both teams win in that scenario as the Giants get the better facility,while Washington gets to expand its footprint deeper into Virginia with the Richmond pickup.
Editors Note-later in the day.
So much for those sources as the Nationals announced they are staying in Harrisburg with Richmond sticking with the Giants.....
South Atlantic League franchises that have not signed extensions through 2012 are Augusta,Delmarva,Hagerstown,Hickory and Lakewood.
Delmarva,Hagerstown and Lakewood are just a matter of signing the papers I would think.
Carolina League teams that have not renewed include Kinston,Lynchburg,Myrtle Beach and Wilmington.
Kinston and Myrtle Beach are likely unannounced deals,no word on Wilmington or Lynchburg.
Wilmington is likely happen with the prospect heavy Royals,but Lynchburg could be shopping for a replacement for the Reds after their forced one year shotgun wedding.....
A quick signing front thank you to the Superfan,who not only picked me up a Aberdeen Ironbirds set,he was able to get most of the cards signed for me as well.
Photo Credits
LaPorta-Chuck Crow-Cleveland Plain Dealer
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