The Indians’ struggles with the bases loaded this season have been well-documented. In a 5-3, 11-inning win over the Reds on Sunday, Cleveland found a one-game solution, drawing four walks with the bags full to claim two of three in the Interleague set at Great American Ball Park.
For the first time since 1969, the Indians drew four free passes with the bases loaded in a game. Michael Brantley accounted for two (one against Reds starter Johnny Cueto), Francisco Lindor had another and Yan Gomes capped it off with a go-ahead, bases-loaded walk in a two-run 11th to help the Tribe to the victory.
“A win’s a win,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Once we got punched in the stomach, I liked the way we kept playing.”
Cueto, who may very well be auditioning for other clubs as the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches, issued six walks and lasted only four innings — the first time he has hit those marks in a start in his career. The righty gave up two runs on four hits in a no-decision, but the damage came via a pair of bases-loaded walks (Lindor in the second and Brantley in the fourth).
“I feel really well today, I feel outstanding today,” Cueto said. “But things happen. This is what happened. I don’t think [very often] in all my career I’ve walked six batters in one game. It just happened. Things happened. It’s as simple as that.”
The Tribe’s offense did not mount much otherwise — ending 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position and 0-for-7 with the bases loaded — but the club’s 10 walks paved the way to the win. In the final frame, Cleveland overcame a blown save by Cody Allen with Gomes’ walk and a sacrifice fly by Jason Kipnis.
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