Player of the Game
Just as they were last night, Carlos Santana and Asdrubal Cabrera were the top two players for the Tribe. Tonight, it was Santana who earned Player of the Game honors. Carlos Santana has homered in back-to-back nights, and 3 of his last 5 games. His now team leading 11th long ball came off Justin Verlander in the 4th inning.
Feathers Up
The Indians played in front of a sellout crowd, which is a rarity in Cleveland these days. The turnout was due to the induction of former Tribesman, Omar Vizquel, into the Indians Hall of Fame and a free Vizquel replica jersey to the first 12,500 fans in attendance.The promotional fireworks, set to the music of Led Zeppelin, also contributed to the abundance of fans at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.
There was one defensive woe, and the Indians took advantage of it. After Lonnie Chisenhall doubled in the 2nd, Nick Swisher hit a sharp ground ball to Detroit second baseman, Ian Kinsler. Kinsler botched the ball, and Chisenahll scored the unearned run, which proved to be meaningful in tonight’s close game.
The Indians offense provided fans with yet another exciting 9th inning in Cleveland. After 2 quick outs, David Murphy reached on a single, then advanced to third on a Yan Gomes single. Murphy would come around to score the tying run after Michael Bourn singled to left field. The Indians were down to their final strike 3 times in the bottom of the 9th, but fought to tie the game and send it to extra innings.
Feathers Down
Cody Allen pitched the 10th inning, giving up a single and a double. This gave the Tigers the lead after the Indians tied it in the bottom of the 9th. Prior to Allen entering the game, the bullpen was perfect. Scott Atchison, Kyle Crockett, and Vinnie Pestano combined for 2.2 innings pitched, allowing no hits or walks, and striking out 4.
The Indians attempted to rally again in the 10th with 2 outs. After Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis struck out, Carlos Santana kept the inning alive with a single. Lonnie Chisenhall ended the game with the 13th Indians strikeout of the game.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 4 – Detroit Tigers 5
On Deck: The Indians wrap up the series with Detroit Sunday afternoon as Max Scherzer and Josh Tomlin face off.
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