Cleveland Indians: 3 takeaways from a bummer of a game in Houston

The Cleveland Indians began the weekend in Houston with a disappointing game that saw the offense spoil some great opportunities.

Well that was a dud of a game for the Cleveland Indians.

The team left nine men on the basepaths en route to scoring one lousy run in a 4-1 loss against the Astros.

This was not the intense rivalry game I had in mind. Maybe if Trevor Bauer was pitching.

Let’s take a look at some things that stood out from this latest loss.

Yonder’s chance to change it all

Oh, Yonder.

The Cleveland Indians were trailing 3-1 in the top of the eighth. The bases were loaded. Yonder Alonso came to the plate.

He popped out to end the inning.

I am not pinning this entire loss on Alonso, but he was brought here to come up big in situations like this. Instead, fans are being nostalgic about Carlos Santana on Twitter.

Clevinger’s first loss

Pitcher records are important, right?

Tonight’s loss marked the first loss of the season for Mike Clevinger who is now 3-1 on the year. He didn’t pitch a terrible game, which is a recurring theme this season.

He went 6.1 innings and allowed three earned runs on eight hits. His offense simply didn’t back him up.

The only bad part of Clevinger’s start was the fact he allowed four walks. Two of those came in the seventh, when the Astros put up two runs.

Even with the walks, this one is on the offense.

Back below .500

I’m really waiting for the turning point this season. The Indians still have the chance to take the next two from the Astros, but this was not the ideal start to the series.

Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley combined to go 1-for-9 with three strikeouts, while Jason Kipnis continued his slumping ways with an 0-for-3 night. His average is now down to .171 on the season.

I am not one to panic in May, but man was this a tough game to watch and also a perfect example of how the season has been up to this point. Missed opportunities on offense that waste solid pitching performances are starting to get old, and I’m not sure what the solution is.

Next: 3 shortstops to know for the MLB Draft

The good news is the team has a chance to avenge the loss Saturday afternoon with Corey Kluber on the mound.