The Indians gave up a 5-1 lead, as closer Brad Hand blew the save in the ninth inning for the second time in two days. Fortunately for the Tribe, Carlos Santana hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, to guide the Tribe to victory.
“He has come up so big for us and has been so consistent," manager Terry Francona said. "Right when you get punched in the stomach he takes a swing like that. I mean, that was a gorgeous swing. I know the last two days, but he’s been doing it all year.”
Starter Zach Plesac allowed three runs and seven hits in five innings. The rookie struggled at times, but found a way to limit the damage. He threw 78 pitches (46 strikes), issued two walks and finished with two strikeouts.
The Indians left nine runners on base. They had multiple chances to extend their lead, but could never get the hit they needed. The Tribe had runners in scoring position in the fourth, sixth and seventh innings, but were unable to score.
The Indians’ defense helped their cause, as Tyler Naquin robbed J.D. Martinez of extra bases with a leaping grab at the right field wall in the eighth inning. The Indians stranded two runners in the eighth, as they were clinging to a one run lead.
Hunter Wood left the game with a right calf contusion after being hit in the leg by a batted ball in the sixth inning. He threw a few pitches on the mound before leaving with head trainer James Quinlan. The Indians traded for the 26-year-old last month.
Bradley Zimmer continues to make progress in Arizona. He was a designated hitter on Sunday. Zimmer is expected to play in the outfielder later this week.
He’s been out since having shoulder surgery last July.
Mike Clevinger is on the mound for the Indians. He enters with a 7-2 record and a 3.02 ERA on the season. Chris Sale will start for Boston. He has a 6-11 record and a 4.41 ERA.