The Indians had a shot at history on Sunday afternoon. Sweeping the Tigers in a four-game series in Detroit is something Cleveland had not accomplished in at least the past century of baseball between the rival clubs.
The Tribe will have to settle for an impressive series win.
In the finale of a three-day, four-game series at Comerica Park, the Indians’ lineup was stymied by Tigers lefty Drew Smyly in a 5-1 defeat. Cleveland claimed the first three games of the set, which included a sweep of a twin bill on Saturday. The Tribe had not taken both games of a doubleheader in Detroit since 1966.
“Obviously, today, this was a game we really wanted to get,” Indians designated hitter Nick Swisher said. “We just weren’t able to get it done. Either way, I think the way we played here this series definitely lets everyone know where we stand. Hey, we’ve got the right mindset going into the second half.”
Taking three out of four against the American League Central-leading Tigers this weekend helped second-place Cleveland cut its deficit in the division to 5 1/2 games. That is still a considerable hill to climb for the Indians (50-48), but the series win is a promising way to kick off this 11-game divisional swing that will take the Tribe through Minnesota and Kansas City next.
The Indians understand the importance of the current three-city trek.
“You’re playing all division guys,” Swisher said. “On a road trip like this, we have to play well. We did a great job here. It’s a good start for us in the right direction. We want to just continue to keep that going.”
In the immediate aftermath of the loss, Indians manager Terry Francona did not feel like focusing on the series win.
To Francona, Sunday’s outcome represented a missed opportunity for his ballclub.
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