The Indians’ bats returned at an opportune time in a 5-4 series-clinching win over the Twins on Tuesday at Progressive Field. With the loss, Minnesota’s season-long skid extended to 12 games. It is the team’s longest such slump since losing 14 consecutive games in 1982.
The Tribe scored more than one run for just the second time in the last nine games, and the win maintained Cleveland’s 4 1/2-game lead in the American League Central. The Indians are now 35-17 against the entire division, but they are still just 7-8 against Minnesota.
The Indians’ offense started strong, with three extra-base hits by the first three batters, including a solo shot via Jason Kipnis. It was the first time the team has accomplished the feat since Oct. 1, 2010, in a road game with the White Sox. Rajai Davis later hit a three-run shot in the second, erasing an early deficit dug by Cleveland right-hander Josh Tomlin.
“Again, I put them in a hole early,” Tomlin said. “They fought back in the bottom of the first and got a run, and then I go back out there and give up two more. But they kept chipping away. They kept grinding away, and ended up getting a lead, and the bullpen did an unbelievable job.”
Neither starter lasted long in their no-decision efforts. Twins lefty Andrew Albers went two-plus innings in his first start of the season, getting charged with four runs on six hits. Tomlin exited after 1 2/3 innings, the shortest outing as a starter in his career. He gave up four runs on seven hits, including a solo shot by Twins second baseman Brian Dozier on the very first pitch of the game.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online Sports
