Results tagged ‘ Jason Kipnis ’

Indians Batting Practice: 5/21

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–Photos By Kyle Emery

Facts, figures, faces and fun from the Tribe’s four-game sweep vs. the M’s!

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So, you couldn’t make it to the ballpark this weekend, huh? You missed a heck of a four-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners.

There’s still time to see the Tribe before they take off for six games; the Indians play host to Detroit Tuesday and Wednesday before visiting Boston for four and Cincinnati for a pair. Get your tickets here, and remember: Buying early and using our new FanPass paperless ticketing technology not only saves time, but also money!

Here’s a look back at the Seattle series in facts, figures, faces – and fun!

Friday

Jason Kipnis’ walk-off homer was the first of his career and the second walk-off hit of his career, the other a 2-out, RBI-single on July 25, 2011 vs. the Angels. Friday’s homer off Seattle lefty Lucas Luetge marked the first walk-off home run for Cleveland in a lefty-lefty matchup since Travis Hafner on July 7, 2011 vs. Toronto.

Ubaldo Jimenez took a no-decision in the victory, leaving with a 3-1 lead in the sixth. His nine strikeouts were his most in a start since recording 10 last Aug. 9, 2012 vs. Boston (5-3 win). The right-hander now has tallied at least eight strikeouts in three consecutive starts to match a career-high. Jimenez has taken a win (three) or no-decision (two) in his last five outings.

Vinnie Pestano notched his first win of the season with a scoreless 10th inning; he was activated from the disabled list prior to the game (right elbow tendinitis). With the win, Cleveland’s bullpen improved to 6-0, only ‘pen in the Majors without a loss this season.

Saturday

Mark Reynolds’ RBI fielder’s choice – his third career walk-off RBI — gave the Indians their fourth walk-off win of 2013, the others coming in a 1-0 victory on April 12 vs. the White Sox (Nick Swisher RBI-single in the bottom of the 9th; Justin Masterson CG SHO), a 10-inning, 7-6 victory on May 3 vs. Minnesota (Drew Stubbs RBI-double in the bottom of the 10th) and a 10-inning, 6-3 victory on May 17 vs. Seattle (Kipnis 3-run homer in the bottom of the 10th). The back-to-back walk-off wins were the first time the Tribe achieved that feat since April 29 and April 30, 2011.

With the 5-4 win, the Indians improved to 11-3 in one-run games in 2013.

Zach McAllister continued to pitch well, giving up two runs in 7 1/3 innings; he did not factor into the decision, though, after Seattle tied the game in the ninth. Reynolds had three RBI in all, the fourth time this season he’s accomplished that feat. Michael Bourn became the second Indians player this season to have two stolen bases in the same game.

Sunday

The victory ensured another series win for the Tribe, as they are now 8-3-4 in 15 series played thus far this season and 6-0-4 in their last 10. The Indians also are now 5-2-1 in home series and 5-1-1 in weekend series.

The Indians have been at or above the .500 mark for 17 straight days.

With the win over Felix Hernandez, Cleveland improved to 7-1 against former Cy Young winners this season; club has now defeated R.A. Dickey, David Price, Roy Halladay, Cliff Lee, Bartolo Colon, Justin Verlander and Hernandez. Per the Elias Sports Bureau, the 2013 Indians are the first team in MLB history to defeat 7 past Cy Young winners before June 1.

Masterson won his third consecutive start for the third time this season, holding the Mariners scoreless through 7 innings and striking out a season-high 11 batters; he fell just one strikeout short of his career high (12; September 30, 2009 vs. CWS). He also became the first Indians pitcher to win 7 starts through the club’s first 42 games of the season since Charles Nagy in 1996 (Indians record 29-13), and extended his career-high stretch of scoreless innings to 19. For his efforts — Masterson also pitched a complete game shutout last Monday vs. the Yankees — he was named the American League Player of the Week.

Monday

The Indians now have won five straight, eight of 10, 12 of 15, 18 of 22 and 21 of their last 28 games, as Cleveland owns the highest winning percentage in the Majors since April 20 (.750, 21-7).

The victory marked the Tribe’s fifth walk-off win of 2013; Cleveland had 6 walk-off wins in 2012. The Indians also improved to 15-8 at Progressive Field this season, outscoring opponents 85-45 over their last 15 home games.

Yan Gomes recorded his first career multi-home run game, and put an exclamation point on the Indians four-game sweep with his first career walk-off RBI. Eight of Gomes’ 16 hits on the season have been for extra bases, including four home runs, two doubles and two triples; 16 of his first 36 career hits have also been for extra bases including six doubles, two triples and eight home runs.

Ryan Raburn and Gomes belted back-to-back home runs off Hisashi Iwakuma in the bottom of the second, the fifth time the club has gone back-to-back thus far in the season.

–Text by Indians Communications staff; photos by Dan Mendlik and Kyle Emery

Indians Batting Practice: May 6, with a special visitor

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Today’s BP session featured a visit from Nick Leyto, who for the last three months has been getting cancer treatments at Cleveland Clinic. He’s home now for two weeks before returning to the Clinic for more chemo.

–Photos by Kyle Emery

Indians Batting Practice: May 1

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The Indians are back at it after a seven-homer night in Tuesday’s 14-2 win over the Phillies. And by the looks of these photos, it looks like they’re enjoying themselves!

–Kyle Emery photos

Kipnis, Pestano have more questions for TERRi

The new Ask TERRi app was a big success when it dropped last week. Now, Indians players Jason Kipnis and Vinnie Pestano have more pressing matters.

Watch the video below for TERRi’s answers to existential questions such as:

  • Did they ever find out who let the dogs out?
  • If you don’t use it, do you actually lose it?
  • Does Ketchup have a future as a baserunning coach?

And plenty more!

Need advice? Have a pressing question? Ask TERRi!

First, he rode a scooter all over Goodyear.

Then, he kicked off our “Harlem Shake” video with his, uh, best dance moves.

Now, Terry Francona has broadened his horizons into the counseling field, offering players Nick Swisher, Jason Kipnis, Vinnie Pestano and others advice on very serious matters.

It’s Ask TERRi. Enjoy.

Harlem Shake: Bring your own costume Monday!

Roster

According to Nick Swisher, Monday’s filming of the Tribe’s Harlem Shake video was “Bring your own costume Monday!” And boy did he and his teammates ever. Here is the roster of the downright ridiculous costumes on display in the Tribe Town 216 edition.

Parrot: Jason Kipnis (costume courtesy of Vinnie Pestano)

Ohio State football star: Nick Swisher

Green man: Jason Giambi

Big baby: Terry Francona

Prisoner: Sandy Alomar, Jr.

Camo man: Mark Reynolds

Human bear: Justin Masterson

Lloyd Christmas & Harry Dunne (from “Dumb and Dumber”): David Huff & Chris Perez

Mario: Lonnie Chisenhall

Two Luigis: Mike Sarbaugh & Brian Jeroloman

Nerd: Michael Brantley

Flamingo wrangler: Cody Allen

Reno 911! cop: Ubaldo Jimenez

Hot dog with beard: Nick Hagadone

Disco man: Carlos Carrasco

Ironman: Drew Stubbs

Scarecrow: Trevor Bauer

Mummies: Juan Diaz & Michael Bourn

WWE wrestler: Brett Myers

Two Gumbies: Mike McDade & Scott Barnes

Two Easter bunnies: Rich Hill & Lou Marson

Three penguins: Matt Capps, Matt Langwell & Zach McAllister

Egyptian Pharaoh: Danny Salazar

Hula dancer: Cord Phelps

Spiderman: Joe Martinez

Gene Simmons: Mickey Callaway

Waldo: Matt Carson

Angry Birds: Scott Kazmir and Bryan Shaw

And in case you missed it, here’s the video again:

Harlem Shake: Tribe Town 216 edition

Yes, we’re a little behind on the craze. Sue us. We’ve been a little busy, you know, with Spring Training and all.

We think, though, that the Harlem Shake: Tribe Town 216 edition is worth the wait. On Monday, we teased it with a partial roster; today, we bring you the full video, with, in our humble opinion, the best “Shake” intro of them all.

Hope you enjoy.

–TribeVibe contributor Joel Hammond

Day 2 in Goodyear another great one for Fan Correspondent @ClevelandChick

There are two types of days at Indians Spring Training – good days and great days.

Yesterday, my friends, was a great day. It was the first full day in Arizona and we started it off right by heading to batting practice first thing in the morning. I was at the field 10 minutes when Cord Phelps came up to me and asked if I wanted his bat. My answer was a squeaky little “yes, please.” Awesome. The Indians have bleacher seats set up for those who want to watch practice and a fence to hang on for those who want to snag an autograph. I spent most of the morning on the fence waiting for Jason Kipnis and Matt LaPorta.

In my last post I mentioned how important it is to say hello to people. At batting practice, I would suggest the same. While hanging on the fence, sharpie and baseball cards in hand, I met some great people. An older gentleman that has been in Arizona 15 years and became a Tribe fan five years ago when the team moved Spring Training to Goodyear. The man had never been to Cleveland but loved the team just from seeing them at the park. I met a family with photos and cards split among mom, dad and an aunt to send back to a man cave in Parma. One proud grandma had a picture of her three grandchildren, all in Tribe jerseys, for the team to sign. There was a little good-natured ribbing from some Reds fans about Choo and Hannahan (that made me tear up a little). Justin Masterson came by and signed for everyone and chatted with fans. And much to my excitement, Mike Hargrove came over to sign my slightly bent card. It pays to say please, kids. I can’t forget to mention that Cleveland comedic son Mike Polk Jr. was there and I talked to him for a couple of minutes as well.

After practice, my friend and I went straight to the game, which is right down the street. A fan note here: Some players walk back to the practice facility from the game in case you want to take a walk as well. Goodyear Ballpark is, in my opinion, the jewel of the Cactus League. The park is fan-friendly with a mini field for kids to play catch and run the bases. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. The most important thing is how friendly everyone is. From the guy selling hot dogs to the ushers, everyone has a smile to greet you. The ushers also know that there are fans from all over the country (and continent with the World Baseball Classic going on) and it may be the only time someone can get up close and personal with their favorite players. I took a lot of fantastic pictures by simply asking an usher if I could go to the front row and take a picture. I have never been turned down.

The overall vibe at Goodyear is laid back and relaxed. The players are easy going and the fans are fun.

We ended our awesome day, a little sunburned, in Tempe for dinner.

Today is a new day, and I can’t wait to see what happens!

–TribeVibe Fan Correspondent Traci (@ClevelandChick)

Cleveland native Traci Christler, who blogs independently at http://www.HappinessIsaHotPierogi.com, is in Goodyear this spring and writing about the Indians for TribeVibe. The Indians are not compensating her for her coverage, nor did they fund her travel.

Indians players gear up for this weekend’s Tribe Fest

Indians pitcher Vinnie Pestano is one of many Tribe players in town for Tribe Fest.

Indians pitcher Vinnie Pestano is one of many Tribe players in town for this weekend’s Tribe Fest. (Dan Mendlik photo)

The Cleveland Indians’ home opener, on April 8 against the New York Yankees, is only 80 days away. Pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in Goodyear, Ariz., in 23.

But #TribeFest, a fan festival designed specifically for Indians followers, is just one day away!

Tribe Fest is Saturday and Sunday from Noon to 6:00pm, with most activities taking place in the indoor service levels of Progressive Field.

So how can fans enjoy the entire experience at Tribe Fest?

  • Collect autographs from your favorite Indians
  • Practice your swing in the Batting Cages with Tribe players (for ages 12 & under)
  • Chat in a roundtable discussion with Indians broadcasters
  • Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Indians’ Clubhouse
  • Finish the Twitter Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win a suite for a 2013 game
  • Take photos with Slider, Ketchup, Mustard and Onion
  • Play video games against your friends or an Indians player
  • Meet and greet with Indians alumni
  • Meet and tweet at the Tribe Fest Social tweetup
  • Create your own 2013 MLB FanCave Application
  • Have your haircut by the Tribe’s barber
  • Get an Honorary Indians Contract with the team
  • And even more …

With so many activities, what are your favorite players looking forward to the most at Tribe Fest? TribeVibe asked some Tribe Fest participants for their expectations on Friday:

  • “It’s fun to come out here and see everyone’s excitement and passion for the team.” — Corey Kluber
  • “Visiting the schools and seeing all of the fans in the different sessions.” — Cody Allen
  • “I know I have an hour in the Video Game Arcade, so I’m definitely looking forward to that. And the youth clinic fielding with Kipnis.” — Vinnie Pestano
  • “Seeing and talking to fans, going to the schools, getting out in the community.” — Jason Kipnis (Tribe Fest participants were visiting area elementary schools on Friday afternoon as part of the Indians’ community outreach efforts)
  • “The large autograph lines, where people are really excited. Seeing all of the little kids that are so happy to meet you.” — Lonnie Chisenhall

Still need to get tickets? If you buy in advance, up to two kids are free with each adult ticket. You can purchase them here or at Progressive Field.

We’ll see you at the ballpark!

 

– TribeVibe contributor Courtney Shilling

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