The Cleveland Indians are entering uncharted territory this season as they look to extend their four-game winning streak to five games. Not since last season has the team been on a win streak longer than their current.
Jeanmar Gomez will be given the nod to take on the slumping Houston Astros. Gomez looks to take after his teammates Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez who have turned early season struggles around and are now dominating their opponents. There is no better time for him to find his groove as the heart of the season is just underway.
The Indians will have the benefit of facing a team that is batting only .181 and has struck out 34 times during their current three-game losing streak. The Tribe bats may have been quieted in the Friday night series opener where they were held to just two runs on four hits, but at least they were not on life support.
Confidence should be high heading in to the second game of the series.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park located in Houston, Texas on Friday, June 23, 2012 at 4:05 p.m. EDT.
Jeanmar Gomez (4-6, 4.95 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Astros' Dallas Keuchel (0-0, 1.80 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 37-32 record and in first place in the American League Central. They are 17-14 when playing on the road and have won five of their last 10 games.
Houston comes into the matchup with a 28-42 record and in fifth place in the National League Central. They are 19-17 when playing at home and have won two of their last 10 games.
The series:
The season series is currently stands at 1-0 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: Asdrubal Cabrera- .301 batting average, Jason Kipnis- 11 home runs, Jason Kipnis- 41 runs batted in.
Houston: Jose Altuve- .308 batting average, Jed Lowrie- 13 home runs, J.D. Martinez- 37 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Mark Shapiro reaches out to Indians' fans in true Town Hall fashion: A fan's reaction
Cleveland Indians at Houston Astros, June 12, 2012: Fan Preview
Cleveland Indians continue to give back through scholarship programs
Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Indians, June 19, 2012: Fan Preview
Cincinnati Reds at Cleveland Indians, June 18, 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment