Shin-Soo Choo's surprising return on Friday evening provided the emotional lift that propelled the Tribe to yet another dramatic victory.
When Choo broke his thumb in early July, it was expected that he would be sidelined until September. However, a quick recovery had Choo batting lead-off for the Indians as they began a 3-game series against the Twins.
Choo's only hit of the night, an infield single, keyed a strange 6th inning rally. Minnesota's shortstop, Tsuyoshi Nishioka, misplayed Choo's 1-hop liner into a base-hit before booting Travis Hafner's slow roller. The 2nd play was ruled an error, and it allowed Choo to score the tying run.
Nishioka, though, redeemed himself by lining a 2-out, RBI single to right field in the top of the 8th.
The Twins carried a 2-1 lead into the bottom of the 8th, but the Indians battled back. After Asdrubal Cabrera flied out, Hafner singled to ignite the Indians and the 31,364 fans at Progressive Field. Michael Brantley pinch-ran for Hafner, and Carlos Santana's double off the wall in right-center chased home Brantley.
Once again, the game was tied.
Then, with 2 outs and Santana at 3rd base, Matt LaPorta shattered his bat and hit a blooper into short left. Ben Revere made a diving attempt, but the ball kicked off the outfielder's glove. LaPorta sprinted to 2nd while Santana crossed home plate.
Chris Perez breezed through the 9th to cement the Tribe's comeback win.
Justin Masterson yielded 2 runs in 7 2/3 frames, but the big right-hander merited only a no-decision.
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| Perez (right) sealed the W |
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