SB Nation Cleveland - Indians Vs. Twins: Cleveland Halts Disastrous Skid With 6-2 Winhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48841/cleveland-fave.png2012-08-08T14:55:32-05:00http://cleveland.sbnation.com/rss/stream/29883122012-08-08T14:55:32-05:002012-08-08T14:55:32-05:00Indians Vs. Twins Final Score: Cleveland Picks Up 6-2 Win To End 11-Game Losing Streak
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<p>After 11 absolutely brutal baseball games that ended the exact same way, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> finally ended their losing streak on Wednesday with a 6-2 victory over Minnesota.</p>
<p>Staring down a chance to tie the franchise's all-time record of 12 consecutive losses, Indians pitcher <span>Justin Masterson</span> turned in a dominant performance to keep Minnesota hitters at bay all afternoon. Now 8-10 on the year after the victory, Masterson yielded a mere three hits over seven innings to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a> batters, and bounced back in a huge way from being shelled the last two times he took the mound (9.2 IP, 15 ER, 6 BB).</p>
<p>Representing only the third time the Indians scored at least six runs in a game since their streak began on July 27, Cleveland racked up 11 hits on the day, and was led by a 4-for-4 performance from outfielder <span>Shin-Soo Choo</span>. Choo added an RBI double to open the scoring in the first inning, and then stepped to plate and delivered once again one inning later with an RBI single to left. The productive day bumped Choo's season average exactly seven points from .284 to .291, and marked only his second multi-hit effort over his last 13 games.</p>
<p>Up next for the Indians is another daunting stretch, as the team will play host to Boston for a four-game weekend series starting Thursday before flying out West for a nine-game road trip against AL West opponents.</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to visit <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. For more MLB news and analysis, check out <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/8/8/3228474/indians-vs-twins-final-score-cleveland-losing-streak-recap-statsDave Ryan2012-08-08T10:51:14-05:002012-08-08T10:51:14-05:00Indians Vs. Twins: Lineups For Wednesday Afternoon
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<p>Cleveland will be seeking their first win in quite a while on Wednesday afternoon, and they'll be looking to do it with a lineup very similar to the ones that they've been using in most of their games recently -- it's been more pitching follies than offensive woes for the team recently, so they're hoping that <span>Justin Masterson</span> will find a solid game in him. Cleveland has allowed 21 runs in this series and over 90 so far during their almost historic losing run.</p>
<p>From both teams twitter accounts, here are the lineups for the third and final game of the Twins vs. Indians series:</p>
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<p>August 8 <a href="https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23Indians"><s>#</s><b>Indians</b></a> lineup: Kipnis 2B Cabrera SS Choo RF Santana DH Brantley CF Duncan LF Marson CA Kotchman 1B Lillibridge 3B Masterson P</p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> (@Indians) <a href="https://twitter.com/Indians/status/233194170938974208" data-datetime="2012-08-08T13:33:17+00:00">August 8, 2012</a>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search/?q=%23Twins"><s>#</s><b>Twins</b></a> lineup @ Cleveland: Span CF, Revere RF, Mauer 1B, Willingham LF, Morneau DH, Doumit C, Nishioka 2B, Dozier SS, Casilla 3B, Duensing P</p>
— <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> (@Twins) <a href="https://twitter.com/Twins/status/233212701256581120" data-datetime="2012-08-08T14:46:55+00:00">August 8, 2012</a>
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<p>The game will begin shortly, being a very early 12:05 p.m. ET start.</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. And for even more MLB news and analysis, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/8/8/3227978/twins-vs-indians-lineups-game-3Chris White2012-08-08T09:41:07-05:002012-08-08T09:41:07-05:00The State Of Cleveland Indians, Summed Up In Pictures
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> continued their<a href="http://bastian.mlblogs.com/2012/08/08/if-we-need-that-extra-push-over-the-cliff/" target="_blank"> record-setting losing streak</a> on Tuesday night with another excruciating loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>. Like Sunday in Detroit, this one featured a ninth-inning implosion by closer <span>Chris Perez</span>. The Tribe appeared well on their way to breaking the streak, but the Twins stormed back to score six runs in the final three innings.</p>
<p>In an era full of them, this may be the low moment of the Dolan family's stewardship of the franchise. As you'd expect, the morale at Progressive Field is at an all-time low. A couple images that humorously, however dark, capture that woe:</p>
<p>Via <a href="http://twitter.com/cjzero/status/233029352068091904" target="_blank">@CJZero</a>:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1283217/Indians_Bag_Heads_2.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Indians_bag_heads_2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1283217/Indians_Bag_Heads_2_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>There's a lot going on this picture that really sums up the sad state of the Tribe. I'm just as amused by the faces that aren't brown paper bags.</p>
<p>Here some more enterprising fans, with a particularly creative appeal to <span>Jeremy Sowers</span>:</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1283245/Bag_Heads.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Bag_heads_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1283245/Bag_Heads_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1344435642772"></p>
<p>At this point, I think <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/8/7/3226043/houston-astros-bad-play-oh-man-what-is-this-i-dont-even" target="_blank">I'd rather be the Astros.</a></p>
<p>The Tribe can tie the franchise record losing streak on Wednesday afternoon, but somehow, that streak couldn't have been worse than this stretch of pitching disasters.</p>
<p><i>For more on the Indians' misery, visit <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com/" target="_blank">Let's Go Tribe</a>. To read about winning baseball teams, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com/" target="_blank">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/8/8/3227803/indians-losing-streak-twinsBrendan Porath2012-08-08T09:30:02-05:002012-08-08T09:30:02-05:00Indians Vs. Twins: Cleveland Looks For First Win In A While On Wednesday Afternoon
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<p>After blowing a late lead and losing their 11th straight game, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> won't have much time to mourn as they get right back up for an early game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> on Wednesday afternoon.</p>
<p><span>Justin Masterson</span> (7-10, 4.78 ERA) will come up to the mound for game three of the series, facing off against <span>Brian Duensing</span> (2-6, 4.39 ERA) of the Twins. Masterson will have plenty to do if the past few games have been any indication, as the Indians have been giving up runs at record rates during their 11 game losing streak, giving up 21 already in the first two games of the Twins series.</p>
<p>If Cleveland manages to lose their 12th game in a row, it will tie a franchise record losing streak. A loss would also push the Twins into a tie for third place in the AL Central with the Indians.</p>
<p>The game will be at Progressive Field at 12:05 p.m. ET.</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. And for even more MLB news and analysis, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/8/8/3227783/twins-vs-indians-preview-scheduleChris White2012-08-07T22:49:06-05:002012-08-07T22:49:06-05:00Indians Losing Streak: Cleveland Giving Up Runs At Historic Rate During 11-Game Losing Streak
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> continued struggling on Tuesday night when they lost their eleventh straight game to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a>. The Tribe couldn't get out of their own way as fielding errors by <span>Jason Kipnis</span> and <span>Casey Kotchman</span> gave the Twins an opportunity to rally for the win.</p>
<p>The Indians continued finding ways to give up runs which have been mounting at a historic rate during the losing streak. Jordan Bastian breaks down how the latest stretch of futility stacks up against past Cleveland teams.</p>
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<p>Indians' 95 runs allowed in past 11 are most over any 11-game stretch for Cleveland since giving up 97 RA in 11 games from Aug. 23-30, 1938.</p>
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/233042858146422784" data-datetime="2012-08-08T03:32:01+00:00">August 8, 2012</a>
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For the record, that 1938 team went 4-7 through that eleven-game stretch on their way to an 86-66 record which was good for third place in the American League.</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. And for even more MLB news and analysis, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/8/7/3227212/cleveland-indians-losing-streak-giving-up-runs-at-historic-rate-mlb-2012Tom Lewis2012-08-07T22:18:16-05:002012-08-07T22:18:16-05:00Indians Vs. Twins: Cleveland Blows Ninth Inning Lead To Lose 7-5 To Minnesota
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> fumbled away a ninth-inning lead on their way to a 7-5 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Minnesota Twins</a> at Progressive Field.</p>
<p>With one out in the ninth inning, Cleveland closer <span>Chris Perez</span> appeared to be on his way to locking up a save and ending the Indians ten-game losing streak. Instead, an error by first baseman <span>Casey Kotchman</span> helped extend the inning which would see the Twins score three runs to take the lead and send the Tribe to their eleventh consecutive loss.</p>
<p>Cleveland held an early 5-1 lead. knockign out Minnesota starter <span>Samuel Deduno</span> after four innings. But the Twins started rallying in the seventh inning when a fielding error by Cleveland second baseman <span>Jason Kipnis</span> allowed two unearned runs to score. Cleveland would surrender five unearned runs for the game as Perez (0-4) took the loss while blowing his second consecutive save opportunity.</p>
<p>Reliever <span>Tyler Robertson</span> (1-0) picked up the win for the Twins.</p>
<p>The two teams complete their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon at 12:05 p.m. ET.</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. And for even more MLB news and analysis, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/8/7/3227042/cleveland-indians-vs-minesota-twins-cleveland-blows-lead-to-lose-eleventh-straight-2012Tom Lewis2012-08-07T16:24:39-05:002012-08-07T16:24:39-05:00Indians Vs. Twins: Starting Lineups For Tuesday's Game
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<p>Desperate to avoid dropping their 11th consecutive game, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Cleveland Indians</a> will hope that 26-year-old right-handed pitcher <span>Corey Kluber</span> will be able to stop the bleeding on Tuesday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.twinkietown.com/">Twins</a>.</p>
<p>After making his first career MLB start against Kansas City last week and being bombed for six earned runs in just 4.1 innings, Kluber now will take on a Minnesota lineup that shelled Cleveland pitchers for 14 runs in Monday's blowout.</p>
<p>And after designating infielder <span>Jose Lopez</span>, who was batting .249 with 28 RBI this year, for assignment on Tuesday in favor of more pitching depth, it's clear that Cleveland's entire organization might be bracing for this ice-cold stretch to press on for the remainder of the season.</p>
<p>Hoping to shake things up, manager Manny Acta will once again use second baseman Jason Kipnis in the leadoff slot on Tuesday, despite the youngster's .182 average this year atop the order. The bulk of Kipnis' playing time has come in the No. 3 spot in the order, but it's entirely evident that the Indians are willing to try anything to create a spark at this point.</p>
<p>Here are Tuesday's starting lineups:</p>
<p><b>Indians</b><br> 1. <span>Jason Kipnis</span> - 2B<br> 2. <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span> - SS<br> 3. <span>Shin-Soo Choo</span> - RF<br> 4. <span>Carlos Santana</span> - C<br> 5. <span>Michael Brantley</span> - CF<br> 6. <span>Casey Kotchman</span> - 1B<br> 7. <span>Shelley Duncan</span> - DH<br> 8. <span>Jack Hannahan</span> - 3B<br> 9. <span>Ezequiel Carrera</span> - LF<br> Corey Kluber - SP</p>
<p><b>Twins</b><br> 1. <span>Denard Span</span> - CF<br> 2. <span>Ben Revere</span> - RF<br> 3. <span>Joe Mauer</span> - C<br> 4. <span>Josh Willingham</span> - DH<br> 5. <span>Justin Morneau</span> - 1B<br> 6. <span>Ryan Doumit</span> - LF<br> 7. <span>Tsuyoshi Nishioka</span> - 2B<br> 8. <span>Brian Dozier</span> - SS<br> 9. <span>Jamey Carroll</span> - 3B<br> <span>Samuel Deduno</span> - SP</p>
<p><i>Head over to <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians coverage, and be sure to check out <a href="http://www.twinkietown.com">Twinkie Town</a> for more on the Twins. And for even more MLB news and analysis, visit <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a>.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/8/7/3226340/indians-vs-twins-starting-lineups-cleveland-minnesota-game-2Dave Ryan2012-08-07T15:49:56-05:002012-08-07T15:49:56-05:00Indians Recall Pitcher Frank Herrmann From Triple-A, Designate Veteran Jose Lopez For Assignment
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<p>A 10-game losing streak can often be more than enough to facilitate a roster shakeup for any organization, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a> did just that on Tuesday by recalling right-handed pitcher <span>Frank Herrmann</span> from Triple-A to take the place of veteran infielder <span>Jose Lopez</span>, who was promptly designated for assignment <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/232915891111751680">according to MLB.com's Jordan Bastian</a>.</p>
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<p>Indians recall RHP Frank "Harvard Heat" Herrmann from AAA Columbus to give weary bullpen some help. INF Jose Lopez DFA'd.</p>
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLBastian/status/232915891111751680" data-datetime="2012-08-07T19:07:30+00:00">August 7, 2012</a>
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<p>Herrmann made 38 appearances with Columbus this year, posting a 4.28 earned-run average with seven saves. Although he seen action in 80 big league games during his career, Herrman's career ERA is nearly a full run higher at the major league level, and he will need to use his powerful fastball much more efficiently this time around if he plans to stick in the majors.</p>
<p>Lopez, who became an everyday starter with the Indians back in May, hit four home runs and knocked in 28 RBI in 66 games this season, but struggled to a woeful .272 on-base percentage. Seemingly eons away from being the same player who belted 26 bombs and 96 RBI back with Seattle in 2009, Lopez, still just 28 years old, is once again at a crossroads in his career.</p>
<p><i>Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.letsgotribe.com">Let's Go Tribe</a> for more Indians news, and head over to <a href="http://mlb.sbnation.com">Baseball Nation</a> for more MLB analysis.</i></p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/8/7/3226401/cleveland-indians-recall-frank-herrmann-jose-lopez-triple-a-rosterDave Ryan