Cleveland Indians Win in Extra Inning Shutout of the Angels

Cleveland Indians Prevail in Extra Innings

It took 12 innings, but the Cleveland Indians finally scored a run and beat the Los Angeles Angels tonight 2-0 behind a brilliant start by Carlos Carrasco and 2-run home run by Giovanny Urshela in the top of the 12th inning.  The bullpen was brilliant as well as Bryan Shaw, Zach McAllister, and Cody Allen combined for three shutout innings (all in extra innings) to allow the Indians to finally get on the board. 

The Indians (49-57) struggled all night to get a big hit when they needed it, stranding eight runners through the first 11 innings before finally breaking through in the 12th. The Angels (56-50) meanwhile struggled to get any kind of offense going, collecting just two on the night to go along with just one walk and a hit batter.  Tribe starter Carlos Carrasco went nine innings throwing just 101 pitches but failed to get a complete game or a decision thanks to the Tribe’s anemic offense.  He was lights out yet again though allowing just one hit, a walk, and a hit batsman to go along with his seven strikeouts.  He was relieved by Bryan Shaw who pitched a flawless 10th inning before Zach McAllister (3-3) worked a scoreless 11th to get the win.

Angels starter Matt Shoemaker had a great night of his own going six innings allowing just five hits, two walks, and struck out ten.  The Angels bullpen appeared up to the task as well but reliever Jose Alvarez allowed a lead-off single to Lonnie Chisenhall in the the 12 inning (what would have been his third inning of work).  He was promptly removed for right-hander Cam Bedrosian who allowed the go-ahead and eventually game winning home run to Urshela.

It was a big hit for Urshela who made a key base running blunder in the top of the 10th after doubling with one out. Urshela was thrown out trying to go to third on a groundball to the shortstop (a big no-no), which killed any chance the Indians had at a rally that inning. But the baseball gods saw it fit to allow Urshela a chance at redemption and he capitalized, and off a right-hander no less. Heading into today’s game Urshela had just a .510 OPS vs right-handed pitching.

Tribe closer Cody Allen came on and worked a 1-2-3 9th inning to earn his 22nd save and finish off the shutout.  Just how rare was this 12 inning shutout?  It was the first such one of 12 or more innings since 2003 and the first allowing just two hits since 1942.  Also jut the eighth time it’s happened in baseball history.

The Indians and Angels wrap up their 3-game series tomorrow afternoon with first pitch of the rubbermatch scheduled for 3:35 EST.  Danny Salazar will be on the hill for the Tribe as they look to take the series before heading back to Cleveland for a six-game homestand.

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