The Indians’ Josh Tomlin, winner of his last three decisions as well as his last start, against the New York Yankees on Monday, tries for his 11th win of 2011 on Saturday evening at 7:05 at Progressive Field.
Tomlin (10-4, 3.78 ERA) has not lost since June 12, also against the Yankees in New York. Since then, in four starts, Tomlin has worked 27 innings and allowed only eight earned runs, picking up wins over Pittsburgh, Colorado and the aforementioned win over The Bronx Bombers.
Tomlin beat Toronto in Canada earlier this season, going six innings and surrendering six runs after the Indians jumped well ahead on their way to a 13-9 win. For his career, Tomlin has faced Toronto twice, with an overall mark of 1-0 and a 5.56 ERA in 11.1 innings.
The Blue Jays will counter tonight with Brandon Morrow, who has yet to lose this season in the United States. Morrow (5-4, 4.73 ERA) is 4-0 in seven road appearances with a nice 2.79 ERA away from home.
Morrow was the losing pitcher on May 31 in Toronto, when he went five innings and gave up nine hits and six runs in a 6-3 Cleveland win.
For his career, Morrow has started three times against the Tribe among nine appearances vs. The Good Guys, and is 1-3 with a 5.96 ERA overall in 22.2 frames against the Indians.
After tonight’s game, the Tribe, whose lead over the Detroit Tigers was sliced to a half-game last night, will take on the Blue Jays tomorrow at 1:05 in the last game before the All-Star break.