Player of the Game
Kluber was impressive in the first game, but T.J. House was even better in the rematch. House gave up just four hits, two of which were eliminated by double plays, no walks and struck out eight. In addition to allowing less hits and striking out more than Kluber, House didn’t give up a single run in a dominant performance. While he doesn’t throw as hard or have as much bite to his breaking pitches, the rookie left hander had no problems confounding the Twins through seven innings. In total, the two Indians starters combined to pitch 15.1 innings, allow 12 hits, no walks and just two runs across two games.

Feathers Up
After Carlos Santana hit his massive first inning home run in the first game today, he continued that strategy and flew out to right in each of his next four at bats across both games. While a couple of these were decent line shots, he finally got back to what he was going for in his second at bat when he smashed another home run down the right field line. Like in the first game, this solo home run gave the Indians a one run lead. In his final at bat, Santana was forced to flip around to the right side where he immediately pulled a ball through the left side of the infield for another RBI.

While there wasn’t much offense in the second game, what there was was spread around. After seven batters hit safely in the first game, another six did in the second including two players, Mike Aviles and David Murphy, who didn’t play in the first game. Murphy was one of two players, along with Santana, to hit safely twice.

Feathers Down
Terry Francona wanted to keep his players as fresh as possible during this double header, so he used as many players in the field for just one game as possible, including Yan Gomes, Michael Brantley (who DHed the first game) and Carlos Santana (who DHed the second). With 15 players used, Francona went with Chris Gimenez at first base instead of Jesus Aguilar and Zach Walters did not get an at bat. Gimenez wound up going 0/3 and striking out in each of his first two at bats, stranding two runners in scoring position.While there is a chance that Aguilar would have had similar results, it is important to get him as many at bats as possible right now to get some idea of how valuable he will be in 2015.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 – Minnesota Twins 0

Magic #: 14

On Deck: Finishing their longest home stand of the season, the Indians will head to Detroit for three with the Tigers. While even a sweep wouldn’t guarantee anything in the play-off race, a series win is needed to stay relevant. To do that, winning game one will be the first step and it will take place at 7:08 PM, Friday Night with Carlos Carrasco facing David Price.