The Cleveland Indians opened the 2021 MLB season on the road against the Detroit Tigers in a blizzard.
The series did not go as planned.
Weather was certainly a factor, but the offense could not get going in the first two games of the year.
A nine-run outburst finally came Sunday as the Indians salvaged the series and got their first win of the season.
The Tigers are now in Cleveland starting Friday for a three-game set as the Indians look for revenge.
It all starts with Zach Plesac on the mound.
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/iBjlCUk2MF
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 9, 2021
Zach Plesac Hoping for a Rebound
Plesac was not bad by any means in his first start of the season.
The problem is that the staff has to be nearly perfect to take home a win on most days.
He allowed two earned runs in last week’s 5-2 loss against the Tigers.
The right-hander had four strikeouts, two walks, and allowed six hits in six innings of work.
"Executing pitches is what it comes down to and as the game went forward we did a better job at it."
🎙 Zach Plesac pic.twitter.com/X5RrYlKrss
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) April 3, 2021
So when we say he is looking for a better outing, that means getting some help from his offense.
There is no reason why a pitcher should have to be perfect every single time on the mound to get a win.
Already facing this lineup a week ago should mean Plesac does well Friday night.
Revenge Starts With the Offense
Wednesday’s win was exciting.
But Jose Ramirez is not going to hit two home runs every single game.
If that was the case he would need a statue built in his honor immediately.
Julio Teheran will be on the mound for the Tigers Friday night.
He squared off against Plesac last week in the 5-2 Tigers victory and allowed one run in five innings of work.
And it was not like he was striking out batters left and right.
He finished with only three strikeouts on the day.
So it remains tough to gauge the offense’s struggles so far.
They are putting the ball in play, which is good, but not getting the desired results.
Over the course of a 162-game season this slow start may level out and be considered bad luck.
That is the hope just five games into the season.
The Series Outlook
The Tigers are in town Friday through Sunday as the Indians finally begin a normal schedule without off-days every other day.
Plesac is on the mound Friday, followed by Aaron Civale on Saturday and Logan Allen on Sunday to finish the series.
Next week begins with a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox.
The Indians entered the year with playoff expectations and doing well against the Tigers is a necessity.
Doing that and also looking great against the White Sox would help shake off the slow start to the year.
Leave a Reply