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CLEVELAND (AP) — The infamous midges have returned to Progressive Field.
Players from the Astros and Indians brushed away the bugs during a game Wednesday night, with Cleveland pitcher Carlos Carrasco becoming the primary victim before he allowed Colby Rasmus' two-run homer in the fourth.
Carrasco appeared to get one of the pesky bugs in his eye on his first pitch to Yulieski Gurriel. A trainer made a brief visit to the mound to assist Carrasco, who gave up a single on the next pitch.
Rasmus, the following batter, hit the first pitch into the right-field seats, giving Houston a 3-2 lead.
The game-time temperature was 87 degrees, causing swarms of midges to journey from Lake Erie to the muggy ballpark.
The scene brought back memories of the 2007 playoff games between the Indians and New York Yankees. The bugs distracted Yankees pitcher Joba Chamberlain, who stepped off the mound several times and caused numerous delays.
Chamberlain, who pitched for Cleveland earlier this season, said on Twitter during Wednesday's game, "Bug Spray doesn't work!! I know these things."
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