Giants player Rich Aurilia strikes a ball in the 4th inning of Thursday's game against the Cleveland Indians. Photo by Tony Dejak/AP.

CLEVELAND—The San Francisco Giants were unable to sweep the Cleveland Indians in their three-game series against the team on Thursday, June 26, 2008. The Giants lost to the Indians, 4-1. The Giants defeated the Indians 3-2 on Tuesday, June 24 and crushed the Indians 4-1, on Wednesday, June 25.  Aaron Rowand scored the teams only run in the fourth inning off a single by teammate Rich Aurilia. The Giants' offense never got going in Thursday’s game. The team was only able to manage four hits in the game, thanks to players Jose Castillo, Aaron Rowand, Bengie Molina and Rich Aurilia, who also had one RBI in the game. The Indians were able to get eight hits in the game.  

          Leading the Indians to victory was Kelly Shoppach, who scored two runs and had two hits in the game. Players Jamey Carroll and Jhonny Peralta both had two RBI’s apiece. Cleveland got their offense off to a strong start by scoring three runs in the third inning putting them up 3-0.   They later scored an additional run in the fourth after Grady Sizemore was walked, allowing Carroll to score the run. This put the Indians ahead of the Giants 4-1 and that’s where the score stayed. Neither team was able to score any additional runs after the fourth inning.     

Cleveland pitcher Cliff Lee played a terrific game.  He kept the Giants offense at a complete stand still.  Lee struck out 11 players, gave up 4 hits and only one run in the eight innings he played in.  San Francisco pitcher Matt Cain gave up eight hits, four runs and struck out four players during the five innings he pitched for the team. Up next for the Giants is a three game series against the Oakland Athletics, who swept the Giants in their three game series at home in San Francisco.  The Giants currently have a record of 34-45 in the National League West.