7/03/2005

Tribe takes series in dominant fashion.

The Orioles may have gone home displeased with themselves but they can be thankful for one thing, the headaches they suffered at the hands of the Tribe are over.

well, maybe tomorrow.

Sidney Ponson didnt even blink before the Indians were up 5-0 in the first inning. Ronnie Belliard and Victor Martinez got things going as both hitters accounted for rbi's and with 2 men on Ben Broussard crushed a 397 foot bomb to left center.

The 2nd inning gave way to 2 more runs right away as Grady Sizemore singled, stole second, and crossed the plate seemingly in one motion with Coco Crisp singling to bring Grady home. Ponson would not make it out of the inning.

Cleveland has had Ponson's number as he now falls to 0-7 in his last 12 starts giving up 11 home runs and 61 earned runs.

Travis Hafner hit his 4th home run in 7 games, clearing the right field wall and leaving the ball to dance in the street.

Cliff Lee wasnt over powering but pitched another solid outing as he went 6.2 innings giving up 4 earned runs on 9 hits, 2 of them coming on long balls by Luis Matos and Brian Roberts.

Matt Miller and Arthur Rhodes would work the remaining innings giving up just one hit.

Its now back home where the Tribe will face off against an improved Tigers team that saw the return of Magglio Ordonez. Its a 4 game series with monday being a double header.

Note: Bob Wickman was the only Indian selected to represent Cleveland at this years All Star game. I'm not the majority perhaps but it leaves me bitter knowing players like Sizemore, Lee, Hafner, Peralta and many others should have been strong candidates. Of course, the AL lineup is dominated by boston and new york.
I say this every year. Why doesnt Bud the moron Selig just make the All star Game Red Sox versus the Yankees. at least be honest.