Tribe set for Battle of Ohio

Akron Beacon Journal

The Indians’ performance against the Giants in San Francisco didn’t raise the optimism level among Northeast Ohio fans. It probably didn’t do much to encourage the guys who play, either.

After scoring four runs and being swept in the three-game series at AT&T Park, despite good pitching, it was important to demonstrate a pulse at Chase Field.

And the Indians came through, winning two out of three before heading for Cincinnati to play the last three of this year’s interleague games.

“It was good to win this series on a long trip,” manager Manny Acta said. “We have a little momentum, a nice day off, and we’ll try to get the first one [at Great American Ball Park] right away.”

The Indians won all three games against the Reds at Progressive Field, but playing in a National League park without designated hitter Travis Hafner and injured Shin-Soo Choo makes the task more difficult. But at least the Indians know the Reds.

“We’re familiar with each other from being at the same spring-training complex,” Acta said. “I don’t think anybody has an advantage.”

Despite the Indians’ slide from 15 games over .500 to four games over (after Tuesday night’s loss), they remain in the race for the Central Division title.