CLEVELAND (AP) ― Not even word that pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez had passed his physical could put a smile on Manny Acta’s face Sunday afternoon.
Cleveland’s manager had just watched his team lose 5-3 to Kansas City, which completed a 2-6 homestand and dropped the Indians 2 1/2 games behind Detroit in the AL Central.
“To lose three series in a row in front of our own fans is very disappointing,” Acta said.
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BIG HURT HONORED Former Chicago White Sox star Frank Thomas poses with a statue of himself during a ceremony in Chicago on Sunday. (AP-Yonhap News) |
The fact Saturday’s blockbuster trade with Colorado was official, giving the Indians an ace pitcher at the top of their rotation, was the only good news Acta got all week.
Cleveland’s two wins on the homestand came on ninth-inning rallies. Rookie Jason Kipnis’ first major league hit drove in the winning run for a victory over Los Angeles on Monday and Matt LaPorta’s three-run homer capped a comeback in Saturday’s victory over Kansas City.
Other than that, the homestand was entirely forgettable. The Indians were no-hit by the Angels’ Ervin Santana and committed five errors on Wednesday. Cleveland suffered a 12-0 loss against the Royals on Friday.
The Indians were outscored 33-15, which doesn’t bode well considering they open a seven-game trip to Boston and Texas that begins Monday night in Fenway Park.
“We didn’t swing the bats very well this homestand,” designated hitter Travis Hafner said. “We’re going to have to score more runs on this trip because we’re playing good offensive teams. We have to start playing better to help out confidence.”
Yankees 4, Orioles 2
Tigers 3, Angels 2
Blue Jays 7, Rangers 3
Reds 9, Giants 0
Nationals 3, Mets 2
Marlins 3, Braves 1
Phillies 6, Pirates 5
Brewers 5, Astros 4
Red Sox 5, White Sox 3
Padres 8, Rockies 3
A’s 7, Twins 3
Rays 8, Mariners 1
D-backs 6, Dodgers 3
Cubs 6, Cardinals 3
