The Indians have a chance to close the gap between them and the Tigers down to one game if they can find a way to get to the unhitable Justin Verlander. Just a week ago the Tribe looked to be on a downward slide after only going 3-4 on their road trip losing 3 of those 4 in the final at bat. But they have rebounded strong, taking 2 of the first 3 with a chance for the sweep. Ubaldo Jimenez had one shaky inning out of the eight he pitched, struck out 6 batters and was in command all night. If they can get that kind of production from him for the rest of the year the Indians will be poised to take the central division. Though the bullpen has been shaky the last week the offense has been exceptional of late and thats with rookies Jason Kipnis and Ezequiel Carrera being inserted into the lineup. I like what Carrera brings at the top of the lineup and wouldn’t mind him staying there when Brantley is healthy and just dropping everybody down one in the lineup. And where was Kipnis earlier in the year, he’s played fantastic in his 16 games he’s scored 13 runs, 18 hits, 6 homeruns and .295 batting average. I won’t deem tonight as a must win because they have 10 more games against the Tigers and and 30 of the remaining 48 against divisional opponents. However tonight would hammer home the point that the Tigers can’t beat us at home and we can beat their ace when no one else can.
