Josh Tomlin’s first start since Aug. 30 ended up being an important one for the American League Central-leading Indians.
After posting an 11.48 ERA over six starts in August, the right-hander allowed one run in five innings Wednesday night at U.S. Cellular Field, snapping a five-game losing streak during a 6-1 victory over the White Sox. The Indians’ first win in this four-game set reduced their magic number to 12 to clinch the division and maintained their six-game lead over the Tigers, who rallied to beat the Twins, 9-6.
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“It felt really good to contribute and help this team win a game,” Tomlin said. “To be able to go out there and do my part and contribute was pretty big for me.”
Tomlin had made one relief appearance this month but struck out two and didn’t issue a walk before giving way to the bullpen after throwing only 72 pitches. Dan Otero, Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller and Cody Allen closed out the victory.
“He was good,” said White Sox manager Robin Ventura of Tomlin, who improved to 4-2 with a 3.08 ERA lifetime against the White Sox. “He’s always a guy who is going to mix it up on you, change it up. He’ll never overpower you, but he’ll cut it. His changeup was pretty good tonight.”
Cleveland trailed, 1-0, before Jose Ramirez’s double in the fourth off of Carlos Rodon scored Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana, who walked with one out.. Brandon Guyer singled home Ramirez to finish off the three-run inning. Coco Crisp’s three-run homer in the sixth, following singles from Ramirez and Guyer, completed the Indians’ scoring.
Rodon allowed six runs on nine hits over five-plus innings, striking out five and walking three. It was the southpaw’s first loss since July 31, ending a stretch of five straight winning decisions.
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