The Indians used a perfect combination of stellar pitching and overwhelming offense to claim a 13-1 rout over the Reds at Progressive Field on Tuesday night. Righty Alfredo Simon gave up a career-high 10 runs in the loss for Cincinnati.
Tuesday’s offensive display led to the Indians scoring 13-plus runs and recording 15-plus hits in consecutive games for the first time since May 19-20, 1998, when they did so against the Royals. In Monday’s series opener, Cleveland churned out 15 runs on 19 hits against Cincinnati. It also represented the first time since April 7-9, 1997 (vs. Colorado) that the Reds have given up 13 runs in back-to-back games.
“We did it one through nine,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Everyone chipped in. Everybody got some hits and took some walks. … It’s kind of rare. So you take it and enjoy it. We will move on quickly, because we have to play them again tomorrow.”
Similar to Monday, the Tribe used a seven-run outburst over two innings to jump out to an early lead. Indians center fielder Rajai Davis highlighted the four-run second and three-run third with an RBI base knock and two-run double into left.
The early flurry of runs chased Simon out of the game after 4 1/3 innings, in which he gave up 10 runs on 14 hits. The 14 hits surrendered were the most allowed by a Cincinnati starter since Homer Bailey on July 26, 2008, against the Rockies.
“It was tough,” Simon said. “When I got two strikes, I tried to throw the ball down as much as I can. It’s no excuse. I tried to make it down. It’s not happening right now. It’s frustrating for me. I’ll try to be better the next start.”
Cleveland’s run support was more than enough to aid right-hander Danny Salazar to his fourth win of the season. The 26-year-old hurler tossed 7 1/3 innings, in which he allowed one run off five hits. He punched out eight batters and walked one. His five hits surrendered were the most he has given up in a single game all year.
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