Cleveland Indians: A frustrating loss on a special day

The Cleveland Indians started the afternoon by retiring Jim Thome’s number. The team wasn’t inspired enough as they fell 4-2 to the Orioles.

The emotions were zapped from most Cleveland Indians fans before today’s game even started. Blame that on the great Jim Thome.

The Indians legend had his number retired before the game. And it’s a good thing he did, because it was the best thing the sellout crowd saw all day.

Alex Cobb, who entered with a record of 3-15, went all nine innings as the 37-86 Orioles celebrated a rare victory. I almost feel bad for their fans, so they can have this one.

This is another one of those games that is frustrating in the moment, but picking up a victory tomorrow and ultimately a series victory makes this one loss not as bad. The Orioles can’t lose every single game.

Adam Plutko pitched well and only made one mistake. That came in the form of a Jonathan Villar three-run home run. Neil Ramirez then came in and gave up a home run to Cedric Mullins, the first of the young man’s career.

The offense recorded only five hits and left one man on base. Not much excitement to write home about.

The one moment where things could have turned around came in the bottom of the seventh. Runners were at first and third when Melky Cabrera came to the plate. Time to shine? Not quite, as he grounded into a double play to end the potential rally.

The one thing I will remember about this day was Thome’s retirement ceremony. Seeing the No. 25 unveiled was one thing, but seeing him run around the bases with his son and then get mobbed at home plate by some of his former teammates was enough to make most fans shed at least one tear.

The Indians still have a double-digit lead in the division and could wrap up a third straight division title right around the time when the Browns begin their season. Losing to the Orioles is not ideal, and maybe I am too optimistic for October after seeing Thome, but today’s loss shouldn’t be anything more than just a rare solid performance by the lowly Orioles.