The Indians began a self-described "make or break" eight-game, three-city road trip Monday night with a 9-7 loss to the Chicago White Sox. It was a rare offensive outburst for Cleveland, but it went for naught as starter Jeremy Sowers dug such a hole for the Indians early that they were unable to recover.
Sowers (0-4) gave up eight runs in three innings. Included were two home runs -- a three-run shot and a grand slam. Sowers' ERA soared to 7.53, and Indians manager Eric Wedge is very displeased with the lack of command he has shown in his seven starts this season.
Because he is not a power pitcher and instead relies on command and control, Sowers needs to be precise with his pitches. He lacks the sheer stuff to get by when he makes a mistake.
Sowers didn't have that command Monday night, and on nights he doesn't have good command, the games can get ugly early.
WHITE SOX 9, INDIANS 7: SS Jhonny Peralta had a career-high five hits, going 5-for-5 with three doubles and a home run, but it wasn't enough. LHP Jeremy Sowers gave up eight runs in three innings, and the Indians were unable to recover.
