Suddenly, the script has changed.
The Indians, who produced 1 heart-stopping victory after another early in the season, are now watching their opponents deliver in the clutch.
On Tuesday night, Chris Perez surrendered a go-ahead solo homer off the bat of Seth Smith in the top of the 9th inning. The timely blast provided the winning margin for the Rockies as the Tribe lost its 2nd consecutive 1-run game.
Trailing 3-1, Cleveland roared back to knot the score in the last of the 8th. Facing Rafael Betancourt, a former Indian, Cord Phelps and Asdrubal Cabrera hit back-to-back singles to begin the rally. The next batter, Travis Hafner, worked the count full before lining a RBI single to right-center. Matt Belisle, after replacing Betancourt, quickly recorded 2 outs, but Travis Buck snapped an 0-24 skid by grounding a single through the right side of the infield. Cabrera scored the tying run, and the Tribe appeared destined for a dramatic win.
Even though Smith hit that long ball in the top of the 9th, the Indians had an opportunity in the home half of the frame. Phelps yanked a 2-out triple down the right field line, and Cabrera drew a walk. However, Huston Street whiffed Austin Kearns to end the contest. Hafner should have been at the plate in that situation, but he was replaced by a pinch-runner following his RBI base-knock.
Smith also hit a 2-run shot in the 6th, and Jhoulys Chacin held the Tribe hitless through the 1st 5 innings.
Mitch Talbot's 6 1/3 frames, in which he allowed 3 tallies, did not merit a decision.
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| Hafner, not Kearns, should have been swinging for the fences in the 9th |
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