The Indians have been waiting to see the pitcher who showed up on Sunday afternoon. Brett Myers finally looked like the starter Cleveland had in mind when the ballclub signed him over the offseason to strengthen the middle of the rotation.
Unfortunately for the Tribe, Myers’ solid effort against the White Sox was not enough to avoid a 3-1 loss against righty Jake Peavy in the finale of a three-game series at Progressive Field. Despite the defeat, Cleveland took two out of three from the White Sox, and can head into Monday’s off-day with a bit more confidence in Myers’ ability to shore up the starting staff.
“He threw the ball really well,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “That’s the guy that you’re looking for. Pitching to contact. Spotting the fastball, then pitching off of that. Keeping guys off-balance. Taking something off, adding some. Going in, up, down. That was good.”
The veteran right-hander — inked to a one-year, $7 million deal over the winter — held the White Sox to two runs on six hits over six innings. It was a drastic contrast from Myers’ rough showing in the spring, and his pair of forgettable appearances to open his first season with the Tribe (5-6).
Myers allowed only one hit through his first three innings against Chicago and wiggled out of a handful of jams as his outing progressed. In the fourth, Jeff Keppinger and Alex Rios had consecutive singles to open the frame before Myers retired the next three hitters. Chicago again had two hits in the fifth, including a two-out double from catcher Tyler Flowers, but Myers stopped the rally.
The performance provided some sense of relief for the pitcher.
“I was really encouraged,” said Myers, who finished with four strikeouts and one walk. I got the ball down today. I worked on it in my bullpen [session] after the last outing, so I felt comfortable today and was able to get the ball down. It showed.”
With two outs in the sixth inning, the White Sox (5-7) finally broke through.
Myers fell behind slugger Adam Dunn and then walked him, setting the stage for Sox slugger Paul Konerko, who has been a thorn in Cleveland’s side for years. Konerko proceeded to hammer a 3-1 pitch from Myers to deep left field for a two-run home run to give the White Sox a 2-1 lead. Chicago’s designated hitter leads all active players with 47 home runs against the Indians.
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