A fierce wind howling through Progressive Field on Tuesday night helped 6 home runs sail into the outfield bleachers. Fortunately, 5 of those were hit by the Indians who snapped a 3-game losing streak and widened their division lead to 2.5 games.
8 of the 9 runs scored by the Tribe were a result of the long ball, but the 1st was actually manufactured. In the top of the 1st, Grady Sizemore doubled and Asdrubal Cabrera singled before Shin-Soo Choo's fielder's choice plated Sizemore.
Jack Hannahan's 3rd inning solo homer gave the Tribe a seemingly comfortable 2-0 advantage. The reason for that comfort was the pitching of Justin Masterson. Masterson did not allow a base runner until the 4th when Alex Gordon and Billy Butler hit consecutive RBI doubles.
Cleveland claimed the lead for good in the 5th as Matt LaPorta and Hannahan hit back-to-back solo jimmy jacks.
Despite yielding a solo bomb to Melky Cabrera in the 6th, Masterson's 6 2/3 frames of work earned him his 5th victory.
The evening's turning point occurred in the 7th. Luke Hochevar, the eventual losing pitcher, was yanked with 2 on and 1 out. Choo then belted Louis Coleman's 1st offering over the right-center wall. The 3-run blast gave the Indians a 7-3 cushion and the momentum.
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| Asdrubal Cabrera congratulates Choo following the Korean's critical homer |
In the 8th, Tony Sipp worked himself into a bases loaded mess, prompting Manny Acta to turn to the bullpen once more. And Vinnie Pestano pulled a Houdini act by retiring the next 3 batters to preserve the 4-run lead.
Sizemore's 2-run dinger provided some extra insurance, and Chris Perez, after yielding a run in the 9th, secured the victory.
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