A much-needed series win, a crossroads, Jason Kipnis providing a spark, and a potentially top secret scouting report.
Indians 10, Blue Jays 7
LGT Recap | Box Score | Highlights
The Indians faced a 6-2 deficit heading into the bottom of the fifth inning and things weren't looking very optimistic. Lucky for us, it's a long season and this team's destiny hasn't been written just yet, leading to an explosive six-run frame that gave the Tribe the lead and propelled them to victory.
Tribe News
Terry Francona: Indians were at a crossroads: Trailing 6-1 Sunday afternoon and sitting 8-15 on the year, Francona notes how important a situation this was. From Cleveland.com's Chuck Crow:
The Indians trailed, 6-1. Bauer was admittedly peeved. Another loss peeked its head out over the horizon. The Indians were well on their way to yet another nine innings of misery.
"I thought we were kind of at a crossroads," said manager Terry Francona, "where we could feel sorry for ourselves or kick it into gear."
Kipnis flourishing at top of order: Jason Kipnis is heating up at the plate, including a 4-5 afternoon on Sunday that featured a home run, two RBI's, and three runs scored. Kipnis also has three home runs in his past five games. Jordan Bastian details the energy he brings to the leadoff spot:
Before the move to the leadoff spot, Kipnis was batting just .239 with a .522 OPS through 16 games.
"Kip's a good hitter regardless of where he hits," Francona said, "but I think it has given us a boost, him being there [in the leadoff spot]."
Kluber still adjusting to life without Yan: Since Yan Gomes' injury and subsequent trip to the disabled list, Corey Kluber numbers haven't added up very well. Bastian uses stats to paint the picture: In four starts with Roberto Perez behind the plate, Kluber has posted a 5.68 ERA. In his first two starts with Gomes this year, Kluber had a 2.63 ERA.
To his credit, Kluber is far from passing the buck:
Kluber agreed that Perez was not solely at fault for the pitcher's recent struggles.
"If anything," Kluber said, "I'd say it's having a little more awareness of when hitters are kind of hanging out over the plate, and kind of eliminating half of the plate, and keeping them honest. That's as much, if not more, my job than it is his. Ultimately, we're the ones throwing the pitches. His fingers are just suggestions."
MLB News
Astros winning streak at 10 games: Behind Evan Gattis' two home runs, the Houston Astros defeated the Seattle Mariners to move their winning streak to 10 games. Impressive run.
Gattis' 2009 scouting report: Has to be real, right? 140 power rating and the speed of a puma.
Frank Wren's scouting report on Evan Gattis pic.twitter.com/GU8Gz0op8V
— Spreadapedia (@Spreadapedia) May 4, 2015
Axford stays hilarious, watches MayPac through apartment window: LGFT John Axford keeps bringing the fun, watching Saturday's huge boxing match through some stranger's window.
People watching #MayPac from the street...into someone's apartment on the 3rd floor! pic.twitter.com/igW10fub8Z
— John Axford (@JohnAxford) May 3, 2015