1 out was all that separated the Indians from a series-opening win against the Texas Rangers.
In his Tribe debut, Ubaldo Jimenez had allowed 5 runs over 5 innings of work, but the lanky right-hander was the pitcher of record.
An offensive explosion, highlighted by Carlos Santana's 5 RBI, had given the Indians an early lead of 7-2 that had shrunk to 7-5 when the bottom of the 9th began.
Chris Perez recorded 2 quick outs before surrendering what appeared to be a harmless single to Josh Hamilton. However, that single brought the tying run to the plate, and Michael Young deposited a Perez fastball onto the grass beyond the center field wall. Suddenly, the game was tied.
The score remained deadlocked until Cleveland's defense fell asleep in the last of the 11th. A bunt single and a Rafael Perez wild pitch pushed Elvis Andrus into scoring position. Hamilton then hit a slow chopper to shortstop that Asdrubal Cabrera slowly charged, resulting in an infield single. Matt LaPorta, after scooping Cabrera's late throw, completely forgot about Andrus as the speedy Ranger slid across home plate.
This demoralizing loss was the Tribe's 11th in its last 15 games, and it drops Manny Acta's club 4 games behind the Detroit Tigers.
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| Ubaldo whiffed 7, but he was not sharp on Friday night |
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