The Cleveland Indians ended their massive road trip in losing fashion on Sunday, as the Oakland Athletics snagged the third game of the series by a 5-1 score to avoid a sweep.
The Indians led 1-0 in the first inning, but poor control from starter Justin Masterson allowed Oakland to break through in the middle innings and drastically altered any previous momentum. A two-run bomb from the bat of Oakland's Seth Smith expanded the lead to 3-1 and wound up being the dagger. Masterson, who took the loss, walked six men and left the game after throwing 110 pitches over just five innings.
In addition to lackluster pitching, Cleveland batters could only muster four hits on the day despite drawing six walks, as more than half of the Indians' lineup finished the afternoon hitless. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo posted a 1-for-4 day with the only run scored and his fifth double of the year, and teamed with designated hitter Travis Hafner (1-for-2, RBI) as the two lone bright spots of the Cleveland's afternoon.
The loss drops the Indians to 8-6 on the season and 7-2 on the road, as Cleveland will return to Ohio for a six-game homestand with Kansas City and the Angels over the next week.
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