The Cleveland Indians got a great performance from Shane Bieber on Friday and looked to keep the good vibes rolling Saturday.
Instead, Triston McKenzie lasted just two innings and left the game with five earned runs.
The killer was a Tim Anderson grand slam that made it 5-0 in the second inning.
The Indians offense did show some fight, but it was not nearly enough in the 7-3 loss.
Oddly enough, all six of McKenzie’s recorded outs came via strikeouts.
Six strikeouts in two innings is usually a great sign.
But not if you also allow four walks in that same span.
The first run for the White Sox came after a walk and Anderson blew the game open thanks to all the free runners.
Rubber match tomorrow.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/7eDTrgX4Vm
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) May 1, 2021
Another Rough Day for a Young Starter
This was the shortest outing of McKenzie’s season and came in the same week Logan Allen was demoted for an awful start of his own.
That is a rough set of games for the two young pitchers in the rotation who had better hopes of how their respective 2021 seasons would go.
Both are only 23 years old so it should not be anything to panic about just yet.
One positive note from the pitching staff was Nick Sandlin making his MLB debut.
He logged one inning of work, striking out one White Sox batter.
That is some great news as the Indians continue to add young arms to the bullpen.
With Allen demoted, the focus turns to who will take his fifth starter spot.
Going with an occasional bullpen game may not be the worst idea with so many arms out there.
Another 2021 Debut
Franmil Reyes to the paternity list
Daniel Johnson called up
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 1, 2021
Franmil Reyes hit the paternity list and that meant Daniel Johnson got his first shot with the team in 2021.
Terry Francona had so much confidence in the young man he put him in the leadoff spot.
Unfortunately, Johnson went 0-4 on the day.
But it was not just him in that boat as Jordan Luplow had an 0-4 day as well in the No. 2 spot in the order.
This game was a familiar tale for the Indians in 2021.
The offense barely showed up and a pitcher not named Bieber or Civale had a bad night.
Johnson making his debut was a good sign for fans calling for such a thing to happen.
Amed Rosario is the other backup outfield option and he is struggling mightily on offense so far.
In other struggling news, Jake Bauers was in the lineup and had one hit along with two strikeouts.
A Potential Series Win Sunday
The Indians are still 1-1 in the series and can win it Sunday afternoon.
Zach Plesac is on the mound against Lucas Giolito, so hopefully the latter being out there doesn’t lead to another frustrating game for Indians fans.
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