The key to the Indians' magical 2011 season has been their ability to play as a team. The results have been rewarding because the Tribe currently sits atop the American League Central as we near the All-Star Break.
On Wednesday evening, a complete team effort carried the Indians past the Yankees, capping Cleveland's 3rd consecutive series victory.
Justin Masterson pitched 8 shutout innings to notch his 8th win, but he could not have done it alone.
Despite the lack of a knockout punch, the Indians' offense was able to piece together a productive performance.
In the bottom of the 1st, a walk and a single set the table for Travis Hafner, who bounced a RBI single through the left side of the infield. Asdrubal Cabrera scored moments later as a result of a wild pitch and Russell Martin's ensuing throwing error. The mad dash around the bases tested Cabrera's sore ankle, but the Tribe shortstop appeared to be in good condition.
The Indians were then held scoreless until Lonnie Chisenhall cranked his 1st major league home run, a solo shot in the 7th.
The Tribe tacked on a pair of critical insurance runs in the 8th. 2 walks and a single loaded the bases before Carlos Santana worked a walk and Grady Sizemore hit a sacrifice fly.
Following Vinnie Pestano's disastrous outing in which he allowed 3 9th inning runs without recording an out, Chris Perez was summoned. And the Tribe's electric closer slammed the door on the Yankees' comeback bid.
Meanwhile, Cleveland's defense was nothing short of magnificent. Cabrera, Sizemore, and Matt LaPorta all made phenomenal defensive plays to support Masterson. LaPorta was activated off the disabled list only a few hours prior to the contest.
Derek Jeter's double in the 8th gave the future Hall of Famer his 2,997th career hit.
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| Masterson and the Indians were too much for the Yankees |
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