Tribe Strike for 11 in Revenge Against Tigers

How sweet it is. The Indians came back the next night against the Tigers ace and did the same thing that they did to us.

Offensive Explosion: It was quite possibly the best offensive game of the year for the Indians.

Everyone got a hit, there was timely hitting, patience and just overall a great look out of everyone on the plate.

Jason Michaels busted out of his funk with a 2-3 night, knocking in three runs. He also had a big outfield assist, gunning down Gary Sheffield at the plate.

Jamey Carroll making his first start in the two hole, with both Cabrera and Dellucci sitting, and Michaels facing the right hander. He just was awesome again. He is a huge spark off that bench, just finding ways to get on base.

He went 2-4 with two RBIs, a triple, and a walk.

Ryan Garko scored three runs including a two run jack in the fifth.

Speaking of jack, Pronky went deep for the third time this year, knocking in another run in the process.

Victor Martinez went 2-4 with an RBI and a walk.

Casey Blake doubled in Franklin Gutierrez in the second. Gutierrez went 2-4 with a run scored and a walk.

The offense was on tonight. They worked six walks off the wild Verlander who could not find the zone at all. He also hit two batters.

Fausto Rebound: It was a Fausto Rebound. He looked shaky early, but got out of a jam in several occasions to go 6.2 strong innings and give up only one run.

He also bailed out Ryan Garko in one inning in where Inge fouled off a ball that could have been caught by Shark. But he cautiously approached the ball and dropped it in the camera bay.

Inge riffled the next pitch off the left field wall. Thankfully Michaels played the ball great, held Rents at third and kept the Tigers from scoring.

Wedge Speaks: It turns out Eric Wedge talked to the team in a closed doors meeting before BP.

Did his message get through?

Lets hope that was the wakeup call this team needed.. It was a much needed win to end the home stand, and a great confidence booster to do this against their Ace.

Up next is a series in Minnesota. The first game sees Francisco Liriano making his second start against Cliff Lee.

[BOXSCORE]

Cabrera Moved Down in Order; OF Staying Put

Despite his early troubles, David Dellucci’s recent success, more so combined with Asdrubal Cabreras even more recent struggles, has earned him a shot at the two hole.

“I think David’s been swinging the bat better, so we’re going to give him more of an opportunity there,” Wedge said. “He seems to like it there. I’d like to see him take control of that.” (Indians.com)

This is just the beginning of Cabs’ fall if he continues to struggle. If Josh Barfield hits at the AAA level and Cabrera doesn’t, I’d expect them to make the switch.

Cabrera is pressing, he isn’t taking his pitches, swinging at bad ones. He is going through some pains and the adjustment of having other pitches adjust to him.

In other Outfielder news, Ben Francisco has started to hit, he’s upped his average to .222.

But the outfielder struggles of Gutierrez and Michaels isn’t forcing Wedge or Shapiro to make a move.

“We’re not there yet,” said manager Eric Wedge. “We’re a couple of weeks in. I respect the length of the season. I also respect the urgency of each and every game. It’s a fine line you have to walk.” (Indians.com)

More time is needed. No need to make a knee-jerk reaction here. Especially since Francisco isn’t quite hot enough yet.

Also from the same article, Wedge said he could use Betancourt for two innings if it came down to it and Betancourt had proper rest.

“I’d be very hesitant to do it at the start of the eighth inning, but I wouldn’t be in the middle of the eighth,” said Wedge. ” A lot of it would have to do with his workload. I’ve never had that luxury. I’ve always had one-inning guys [closers].”

Verlander and Fausto tonight. Let’s hope we don’t get beat down again.