BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AL PLAYOFFS : Impatience Hampering Indian Hitters

The Cleveland Indians led the major leagues with a .291 team batting average and 840 runs this season, but they didn’t exactly torch Boston offensively in their first-round sweep.

The Indians hit just .219 in the three games. Lead-off batter Kenny Lofton, a .310 hitter in the regular season, and Jim Thome, who hit .314, both went 2 for 13 against the Red Sox. Manny Ramirez went 0 for 12.

“I think the young hitters are trying to do too much too soon,” Cleveland Manager Mike Hargrove said. “They’re not being patient. They need to be patient enough to get into counts where they can be good hitters.”

But Cleveland’s pitching against Boston was outstanding, limiting the Red Sox to a .184 average and shutting down first baseman Mo Vaughn (0 for 14) and designated hitter Jose Canseco (0 for 13).

“Our pitching is underrated and overlooked, but people got a glimpse [in the Boston series] of what our starting pitchers and bullpen have done for us,” Hargrove said. “Everything has clicked for us all year long. We haven’t had any extensive losing streaks. We’ve been very consistent, and the biggest reason for that has been our pitching.”

*

After three gut-wrenching victories against the Yankees in the first round, the Mariners took a much-needed day off Monday. Seattle right fielder Jay Buhner suggested Mariner fans, in a frenzied state for most of the weekend in the Kingdome, do the same.

“Try not to speak too much and definitely don’t yell,” Buhner said. “Catch your breath and get ready to come out roaring in the next series.”

Asked what fans could do on their off-day to prepare for Cleveland, Manager Lou Piniella said: “Gargle.”

*

Indian shortstop Omar Vizquel, a former Mariner, on facing Seattle ace Randy Johnson: “You can’t show any sign of weakness. You have to be as intimidating as he is. If he throws an inside pitch just get back into the box and show him you’re not afraid. He’s the type of guy who likes to intimidate you just with his faces and looks. Sometimes he’ll scream at you. But don’t pay attention to him. Just stay focused.”

*

Injury update: Cleveland pitcher Dennis Martinez, who made his last start in cool, drizzly weather, has some torn cartilage in his left knee and soreness in his right elbow but said, “It will be nice pitching in the Kingdome because basically the weather is nice there.” Mariner shortstop Luis Sojo has a sore right wrist after being spiked in Game 4, and Buhner’s jaw was jarred when he was kicked in the face breaking up a double play in Game 5. “Somebody else put their foot in my mouth for a change,” Buhner said.

*

Cleveland and Seattle played nine games this season, with the Indians holding a 5-4 edge. Cleveland went 3-2 at Jacobs Field and 2-2 in the Kingdome. Indian catcher Sandy Alomar hit .529 (.9 for 17) and Ramirez had four homers and 11 RBIs against the Mariners this season.