Left fielder Michael Brantley launched a pair of home runs, right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall came through with three defensive assists and the Indians claimed a 7-5 victory over the rival Tigers on Thursday night at Progressive Field.
Cleveland, which is now four games back of Texas for the American League’s second Wild Card spot and one game under .500 for the first time since June 6, has won six in a row and 10 of 11 at home.
“You’ve got to win at home,” Brantley said. “We had a good series at home last time and we’re playing good baseball, team baseball, right now. So, we’ve got to keep it up.”
Twice, Brantley belted go-ahead blasts for the Indians. The outfielder led off the seventh with a homer against Detroit starter Alfredo Simon and, following a Tigers rally to tie the game, Brantley delivered a two-run shot off reliever Blaine Hardy in the eighth to put the Indians ahead for good. Brantley has 15 homers this season.
“He’s such an intelligent hitter,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Having him up in those situations, I’m glad he’s on our side. He’s really something to watch.”
Simon, who entered the game 4-0 with a 1.50 ERA against the Indians this season, was charged with five runs in 6 2/3 innings. The righty also allowed a home run to Abraham Almonte and an RBI hit each to Yan Gomes and Giovanny Urshela.
“Simon started out pitching well, but they caught up to him later,” Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. “He’s had really good success against the Cleveland Indians, which is why I stuck with him. It’s actually our bullpen that’s struggled against them, as they did tonight.”
Indians starter Danny Salazar was charged with three runs in his 6 1/3 innings, but walked away with a no-decision. Anthony Gose, Ian Kinsler, Nick Castellanos and Andrew Romine each knocked in runs for the Tigers in the defeat.
Chisenhall ended with three assists, becoming the first player in the Majors with three outfield assists in a single game since May 5, 2007 (Kansas City’s Mark Teahen). The Tribe’s right fielder became the first Indians outfielder with three assists in a game since Rick Manning achieved the feat on May 21, 1981, against the Mariners.
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