Bauer struggles with command as Indians fall to A’s
CLEVELAND — Different night, same teams, same ballpark, similar story.
The Indians, in a story Cleveland fans for the most part saw unfold on Monday night, trailed for much of the game Tuesday and chipped away at the lead before ultimately falling to the Oakland A’s, 5-3, at Progressive Field. On Monday, the Indians lost, 6-4, in similar fashion.
The Indians’ issues began on the mound, where Trevor Bauer was unable to find the answers to which he’s been searching his last several outings.
Bauer struggled with his command all night. The second inning, in particular, was a bumpy ride. Leading 1-0, Bauer walked Stephen Piscotty and then hit Jurickson Profar on the foot. He then also, with two outs, walked Ramon Laureano to load the bases. Needing to bear down, Bauer walked the A’s’ No. 9 hitter, Josh Phegley, on four pitches to allow the tying run to score.
An inning later, pinch-hitter Mark Canha with a runner on drove a Bauer offering over the right-field wall, putting the A’s up 3-1. Marcus Semien and Matt Chapman in the fourth hit back-toback doubles, extending the A’s lead to 42.
Bauer was given an early lead. He just wasn’t able to find the plate enough to protect it. Francisco Lindor in the first inning belted a leadoff home run off former University of Akron pitcher Chris Bassitt. It marked his seventh home run of the season, temporarily tying him for the team lead, and the 14th leadoff home run of his career. Only Grady Sizemore (22) and Kenny Lofton (18) have more in Indians history.
Santana took back his team lead two innings later, when he launched a solo home run to center field, his eighth of the year, to pull the Indians to within
one, 3-2.
Trailing 4-2 in the fourth, Oscar Mercado also closed that gap to one run, doubling in Leonys Martin from first base.
But, similar to Monday night, the A’s delivered the dagger, and the Indians lacked a counterpunch. Profar, facing Adam Cimber in the eighth, hit a solo home run to give the A’s an insurance run and a 5-3 lead.
A’s closer Blake Treinen again closed the door in the ninth to record his ninth save of the season.
Jason Kipnis, with a walk in the fourth inning, reached base safely for the 16th consecutive game. Only Houston’s Alex Bregman, who entered Tuesday night with a 17-game streak, and Piscotty (22 games) have longer streaks in the majors.
Catcher Roberto Perez was pulled from the game prior to the fifth inning. According to a team announcement, Perez was sent to undergo an evaluation for a head injury.