(Photo by: Ron Schwane/Getty Images)
Cleveland - Jose Ramirez breaks out of his early season struggles, has key hits in the Indians victory on Wednesday afternoon over the Miami Marlins, 6-2. Jose went 3 for 4 today, with a solo homer in the first, a RBI single in the third, and a key two run double in the 8th. And his manager before the game predicted all of this happening.
When asked about Jose's slow start to the season, Terry Francona before the game said "I'm telling you, he's going to be fine". After the game Francona said "He's a great hitter, guys go through tough times. You're going to look up and he's going to be among the league leaders. It'll be fun to watch."
The All-Star third baseman said through a translator, "I always stay confident, I understand baseball is ups and downs and I can only worry about what I can control, which is to play hard. That's what I do: go out and play hard every time."
Other key contributions from the Indians today came from Jake Bauers, whose eighth inning single scored the winning run for the Tribe and from starter Jefry Rodriguez, who made his second start filling in for the injured Mike Clevinger, threw seven innings and only allowed one run while striking out three. He was optioned back to Columbus after the game, because the team does not need a starter until May 7th, and on that he said, "I know it's out of my hands and I just keep putting in the work and they will have to make the decision, but so far, just feeling great with what I'm doing."
Also the Indians received some good news before the game, Carlos Carrasco said he will make his next start for the team, which comes Sunday against the Houston Astros. Carlos said he has a bruised knee, and that the MRI showed no serious injury.
Next up for the Indians they travel to Houston to start a 4 game series with the Astros on Thursday night at 8:10, Trevor Bauer starts for the Indians, while Gerrit Cole starts for the Astros.