CLEVELAND — Calling Jensen Lewis the potential closer for next year is a stretch, even if he seems to thriving in the role presently.
Asked about his chances after a gutsy save of Sunday’s 4-3 win against the Angels, Lewis deferred that decision to the powers-that-be. He’s just focused on making the most of this default opportunity.
“If they call my name in the ninth (tonight) I’ll be ready to go,” he said as the Indians open a three-game series against the Royals tonight at Progressive Field.
Lewis has converted all three of his save chances since being moved into the closer’s role. Along with Rafael Perez, he’s been one of the few positives in a wretched bullpen. Lewis hasn’t allowed an earned run in his last eight appearances.
Manager Eric Wedge was impressed by Lewis’ performance Sunday but stopped short of saying the Cincinnati native has become any serious contender for the ’09 closer.
While Lewis doesn’t possess a triple digits-threatening fastball, he has a bulldog mentality that is perfectly suited for closing.
“He’s got the demeanor for it,” catcher Sal Fasano said. “He’s an upbeat guy and thrives on competition. Whether he pitches a good game or bad game, you see the same guy.”
Lewis, who has lowered his overall ERA to 3.91, is clearly enjoying himself.
“This is awesome,” Lewis said Sunday. “When you’re in the bullpen, this is what you want, the opportunity to get the last out, shake hands and send everybody home happy.”
n COSTLY WIN — Indians minor leaguer Matt LaPorta was struck in the ear hole with a pitch from China’s Zheng Xu during Team USA’s 9-1 win Monday in the Olympics. According to the United States Olympic Committee, LaPorta was diagnosed with a mild concussion and will be monitored daily.
LaPorta was one of seven hit batsmen in the emotional game, which included LaPorta running over Chinese catcher Wang Wei.
n BETTER BATS — The Indians are batting .286 (345-for-1,205) over their last 34 games, averaging 5.5 runs.
“We’re carrying a lot more confidence to the plate,” said David Dellucci, who is hitting .323 in his last 28 games. “We’re going up there expecting to get a hit, not hoping to get a hit, and that’s a completely different approach than we had early in the year.”
Some of the hotter hitters include Ryan Garko (.406 in his last nine games), Ben Francisco (.362 in his last 17 games) and Asdrubal Cabrera (.323 in his last 20 games).
n TURNING POINT — Dellucci pointed to the July 10 game against Tampa Bay as the turning point. In the midst of an eight-game losing streak, the Indians fell behind 2-0 in the third inning. But a five-run fifth inning sparked Cleveland to a 13-2 win.
“That was the one day that the light bulb went off,” he said. “Guys got confidence back in themselves and this offense.”
Sports
Related Photos
-
JENSEN LEWIS is 3-for-3 in save situations since being used as the Tribe’s stopper. AP
-
Discussion
Tribe Notebook: Nothing set for Lewis as closer
- Sports
-
-
Riverside sneaks past Edgewood
Riverside wrestling coach Scott Blank learned a good deal of what he knows from Edgewood coach Greg Stolfer as a former Warrior great. Thursday, he used a bit of that knowledge to get the better of his old coach as the Beavers bested the Warriors, 31-28, at Edgewood.
-
Madison rolls past Geneva
Madison recovered from coming out on the short end of a pin in the first match of the night by taking six of the next seven matches against Geneva and capped the night with pins from their last pair of grapplers in dismantling the Eagles, 49-17.
-
Boys tourney returning to county
On Feb. 27, for the first time in 20 years, postseason boys basketball will return to Ashtabula County when the Division II sectional-district tournament comes to Lakeside high school.
-
Dragons dump Lakers in drink
Despite the fact his girls have been through a tough season, Lakeside coach Rob Livingston spoke as though he had sensed that better things might be around the corner.
-
Mustangs dominate Heralds
In their last home game of the season, the Grand Valley Mustangs rose to the occasion on Senior Night, defeating the SS. John and Paul Heralds, 59-28.
-
Clark, Francis help give Falcons Liberty
Paige Clark led an attack that saw three Jefferson players reach double figures and Rachel Francis had a triple-double as the Falcons blasted visiting Liberty, 59-17, in an All-American Conference game Thursday night in Falcon Gym.
-
Scholastic Statistics:
WRESTLING
NON-CONFERENCE
Riverside 31, Edgewood 28
at Edgewood -
Scholastic Schedule:
FRIDAY, FEB. 10
Boys Basketball
n Lakeside at Madison
n Conneaut at Edgewood
n Liberty at Jefferson (WFUN)
n South at Geneva
n PV at Bloomfield
n Grand Valley at Southington
n Riverside at North
n Harvey at Perry -
PV prevails
Cody Miller and Zach Campbell knew what they had to do in order for the Pymatuning Valley wrestling team to complete a come-from-behind victory over Jefferson on Wednesday at triangular match at PV.
The pair delivered exactly that and the Lakers pulled off the win, 37-36. -
Eagles bounce back
The Geneva girls didn’t have much time to regroup. But just one day after a heartbreaking defeat, they were able to knock off a strong Perry team on the road, 39-33.
- More Sports Headlines
-
