Carlos Santana wasn't 'Smooth' against the San Francisco Giants tonight in the Bay Area, committing two errors in addition to being picked off first base as the Tribe fell to the defending World Champions 4-3. Santana started the game in good shape, driving in the Indians' first two runs giving the Tribe a 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Indians added to the lead in the 4th inning when a Jack Hanahan single gave the Indians a 3-0 lead.
It was 3-1 in the bottom of the sixth when Santana's leather work - or lack-thereof - became the undoing of the Indians. After a lead-off single, Santana committed his first error when he rushed a throw to second base on a ground ball by Nate Schierholtz. Instead of a runner on first with one out, the Giants had two on, no outs. After a single by Andres Torres loaded the bases, Santana struck again, this time when he could handle a ground ball to first that should have been an easy play to home. Instead of no runs and two outs, the Indians' lead was cut to 3-2 and the big inning was on.
The Giants went on to score two more runs in the inning, both on sacrifice flies, and the damage was done. Carrasco slammed his glove down and went straight into the clubhouse. His night was not over, however, as the emerging ace retired six of the final seven batters he faced to go the distance. Carrasco ended up pitching eight innings, giving up 6 hits while allowing 4 runs - only one earned - and striking out 4. Carrasco needed just 91 pitches to mow down the Giants struggling offense.
The news could be a lot worse than just a loss for the Indians. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo was forced to leave the game in the 4th inning when he was hit on the left hand with a Jonathon Sanchez pitch. Shoo stayed on the ground for several minutes and the batting glove had to be cut off his swolen hand. No word on Choo's condition was given tonight, but with Matt LaPorta already out, and Travis Hafner relegated to the bench in the National League ballparks, the Indians can ill-afford to lose Choo's bat and arm.
The Indians will get right back at it tomorrow at 4:10PM, a game that will be televised nationally on FOX. Justin Masterson will face Matt Cain.