The Indians played in a postseason-type atmosphere in Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday night. An energized crowd, witnessing meaningful September games after so many forgettable seasons, did all it could to intimidate a Cleveland club also hoping to experience October.
The Indians refused to go down without a fight.
The Tribe used a late comeback to steal a 5-3 victory against Kansas City, spoiling the Major League debut of highly-touted Royals prospect Yordano Ventura. The win increased the distance between the Indians and Royals in the standings, and helped Cleveland remain only a half-game behind the Rays and Rangers for one of the American League Wild Card spots.
“Tonight was one of the more gratifying wins I’ve been a part of,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “You’ve got two good teams playing hard. Fortunately, we got out of here with a win.”
With Texas’ win against Tampa Bay, the two teams are now tied atop the pack of teams vying for the AL’s Wild Cards. The Orioles, Yankees and Royals all sit within 3 1/2 games of a potential playoff spot as well. Kansas City and Cleveland split the first two games of this critical series, making Wednesday’s finale important for the season’s home stretch.
The Indians (82-69) secured a winning season for the first time since 2007 and are 5-1 on their swing through Chicago and Kansas City.
In the wake of the win, Cleveland players were understandably in great spirits. Nick Swisher unsuccessfully attempted to distract starter Corey Kluber during a television interview. At one point, utility man Mike Aviles ran off laughing with reliever Vinnie Pestano’s plate of food in hand. Amid the intense pressure that exists on the field, Cleveland is having a blast behind the scenes.
Team Lazarus, seemingly rising from the dead so many time this season, knows what’s at stake.
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