Paul Byrd Is Stuck on a Buck

Typically, hitting a milestone is something that is tough. Paul Byrd has a different issue. He can’t get off the milestone. Since recording his 100th win, Byrd is 0-3. 

On Sunday, he gave up four runs in the first, then retired 12 of the next 13 batters, going seven innings. Still, he ended up with a 4-3 loss as the Indians' offense could not come back from a four-run deficit. The Dodgers avoided the sweep with the win.

It only took four batters for L.A. to go up 4-0. Pierre opened the game with a single, Kemp doubled to left, Loney doubled to right scoring both Pierre and Kemp, and Martin homered. 4-0. 

Too bad there are no mulligans in baseball. Byrd allowed one more hit in the bottom of the first, but the game was already over.

In the top of the third, the Indians got all three of their runs, with the top of the order providing the fireworks. 

Grady Sizemore led off with a single. Carroll singled, making it first and third, nobody out. Choo grounded into a fielder’s choice, with Carroll out at second and Sizemore scoring.

Jhonny Peralta walked, then Ryan Garko singled Choo home and Peralta to second. Billingsley threw a wild pitch, moving both runners into scoring position.  Blake grounded out, but scored Peralta, giving the Indians two outs. 

David Dellucci then got plunked, making it runners on the corners. Kelly Shoppach struck out. Game over.

Sure, there were other moments in the game, but that was it for the scoring. 

The most notable opportunity for the Tribe was the top of the fifth. Peralta singled and after a Garko strikeout and a Blake flyout, Dellucci sent one to the corner in right. 

Right fielder Ethier cut the ball off, relayed to second baseman Maza who threw to Martin, pegging Peralta at home and preserving the lead. While Peralta was out by a mile, the play made a lot of sense. 

The Dodgers could have easily walked the next hitter (Shoppach) and pitched to Byrd, putting the onus on Manager Eric Wedge to pull him after he’d been on a roll. With the out at home, it didn’t matter.

Four Dodger pitchers held the Indians scoreless. Beimel, Sweeney, and Broxton all registered holds. Saito got the save. 

Byrd was saddled with the loss. Perez relieved Byrd in the eighth and he pitched one inning of shaky two-hit ball, even though he didn’t allow a run.

The Indians return to Cleveland on Tuesday, taking on the San Francisco Giants.  Omar Vizquel, long-time Indians shortstop and fan-favorite, returns to Cleveland as the Giant’s shortstop.

Game time is 7:05 PM. The pitching matchup will pit Sanchez against Laffey.