Indians’ Bullpen Continues To Struggle, Tribe Falls To Astros 11-2; Three Takeaways From The Collapse

CLEVELAND- Most of what was seen Friday at Progressive Field was expected when two former Cy Young pitchers went head to head.

However, seemingly everything was going right for the Tribe until the eighth inning came in the picture. Both Andrew Miller and Cody Allen gave up the combination of four runs.

Things didn't get any better in the last three innings, as the bullpen continued to have their problems. As a result, Cleveland dropped an 11-2 contest to the Houston Astros.

Here's our three takeaways from the loss.

1. Kluber's outing

Indians starter Corey Kluber pitched 6.1 innings, giving up seven hits, striking out seven, and walking no batters for the third straight start. Kluber also fanned seven batters, giving him 1,279 strikeouts in the career, passing Hall of Famers Bob Lemon and Early Wynn.

The only problem Kluber had tonight was in the seventh inning, where he gave up back-to-back hits before exiting the ballgame with the bases loaded.

2. Attacking Dallas Keuchel

The Astros starter did not factor into a decision thanks to some help from his offense. Keuchel pitched for a total of six innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and striking out five.

The first run he gave up was in the third inning when Jose Ramirez doubled to left field, just missing a home run to score Michael Brantley.

His second run given up was in the sixth inning when Jason Kipnis hit a fielder's choice to first base.

3. Bullpen Woes 

When it rain, it pours. In a 2-1 ballgame in favor of the Tribe, the bullpen gave up 11 combined runs in the eighth inning and the ninth inning. Andrew Miller gave up a 2-run RBI double to Jose Altuve. Things continued to go south when Marwin Gonzalez broke the tie on a sacrifice bunt. That was the end of Miller's night.

Cody Allen came in trying to finish the inning but it wasn't the case as he walked Max Stassi to bring in another run.

In the ninth inning, the Astros brought in seven runners for a seven-run inning. Oliver Drake gave up six earned runs and Josh Tomlin finished the ninth after giving up a three-run home run to George Springer.