Corey Kluber continued to pitch like a Cy Young Award-winner Saturday night, striking out a season-high 13 batters, making it his third consecutive double-digit strikeout outing (second-most in team history, behind Bob Feller).
Kluber allowed two runs in the first inning, both of which were unearned, as a pair of pivotal throwing errors proved costly, but the right hander was dominant the rest of the night, allowing only three hits in seven innings.
The offense provided too little, too late and the bullpen didn’t hold up its end of the bargain on a frustrating night in front of 33,111 fans.
Here are three takeaways from the game:
1. Uncharacteristic Defense
Kluber started off the game with every pitcher’s dream – a one-pitch routine groundout near shortstop.
Jason Kipnis was pulled over to the shortstop area in the shift and made a poor throw, which allowed Brian Dozier to reach base.
Kluber walked the next batter and gave up a double to Robbie Grossman, which made it a 1-0 game.
With runners at second and third and nobody out, catcher Yan Gomes attempted to pick Joe Mauer at third base.
The backpick backfired, as the throw sailed into left field and Mauer scored to make it 2-0.
The rest of the way, Kluber was as flawless as anyone could hope for.
That rough inning may have cost Kluber the opportunity to stay in the game to work the eighth inning, which leads us to our second takeaway:
Recent Comments