Following a pitcher’s duel between Rays righty Alex Colome and Indians rookie Cody Anderson, David Murphy’s bases-loaded sacrifice fly in the ninth inning propelled Cleveland to a 1-0 walk-off win over Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon at Progressive Field.
On the game’s decisive play, Cleveland catcher Roberto Perez tagged at third and narrowly beat the relay throw from center fielder Kevin Kiermaier. The walk-off was the first such victory of the season for the Tribe.
“I don’t want to have walk-off wins every day,” Murphy quipped. “They’re always fun. You feel like you can build momentum off that. It was dramatic. Celebrating on the field is always a fun thing to do. In the past, plenty of teams have seen a walk-off moment catapult the team forward and hopefully that will be this game for us.”
Anderson and Colome locked horns for seven innings, trading zeros, but exiting with no-decisions for their work.
Called up from Triple-A Columbus prior to the game, the 24-year-old Anderson scattered three hits through the first six innings. Tampa Bay had runners on in six of the big right-hander’s 7 2/3 innings, but he sidestepped damage at each turn. Anderson ended with four strikeouts and one walk in his 94-pitch performance.
“I’m sure there’s a lot of guys in player development today that are really proud,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “And, they should be, because he did a heck of a job.”
Colome was also on top of his game, carrying a perfect game into the sixth inning and holding Cleveland to just a Michael Bourn infield single in his seven frames. No baserunners advanced past second base against the Rays right-hander, who struck out four and walked two.
“Came down to they had the ninth inning,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “They had the opportunity there. Made the most of it.”
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