Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight the Cleveland Indians begin what could be the most important three-game series of the entire season against their divisional rival Kansas City Royals. Though most of the Indians’ schedule of late has been quite favorable, there is nothing easy about a series with the Royals right now. These guys are pitching as well as any team in Major League Baseball when they are on. The starter for the first game of the series, James Shields, is rarely off. Nick Swisher’s hot hitting needs to continue if the Indians plan to take the series.
This is a very important series for many reasons. The Indians need to prove they can win series, not only against bad to decent teams but also against tough teams that have every reason on Earth to try and sweep them. Swisher has gotten hot at exactly the right time to prove the Indians hot streak is no fluke. One-fourth of his home runs for the entire season have come in the last ten games. In addition to five homers over that time frame, he also has 11 of his 57 season RBI over that stretch as well.
A .300 batting average isn’t anything to be ashamed of either. Swisher is also crucial to team chemistry of course with his incredible personality which is on display for all to see the majority of the time. His hot bat of late is no joke though. It could actually be one of the more critical reasons for the Indians going that extra inch they need to capture sole possession of the second wildcard spot. It could happen Monday night.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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