CLEVELAND, Ohio – Carlos Santana has been the Indians’ best hitter all season long and his stellar play continued on Sunday. He drilled an 0-2 pitch from Trevor May into the right field seats in the seventh inning that put the Tribe up for good in a 4-3 win over Minnesota.
Upon further review ...#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/QkMPnidQ5a
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 14, 2019
The Indians were in danger of getting swept by the Twins, who are 6½ games ahead of Cleveland in the American League Central Division.
Shane Bieber allowed three runs and five hits in 6⅓ innings, finishing with nine strikeouts. The Indians’ All-Star threw six scoreless innings, before giving up all three runs in the seventh.
Two questionable calls aided Minnesota’s rally. First, Mitch Garver was awarded first base after being hit by a pitch. The Indians challenged the call, but it was upheld. Later in the inning Jake Cave was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded that cut the Indians lead to 3-2. It was originally called a foul ball, but the Twins used their managerial challenge to overturn the call. Max Kepler’s single tied the game 3-3, which set the stage for Santana’s heroics later in the inning.
Adam Cimber was huge for the Indians, tossing 1⅓ scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, but had crucial strikeouts to end both the seventh and eighth inning.
Ehire Adrianza reached base on an error by Jason Kipnis to start the ninth inning. Closer Brad Hand responded with three straight strikeouts to seal the victory. He picked up save No. 24 on the season. The Indians improve to 51-40.
Cut 'em down. --#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/BsMlDJ8uP5
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) July 14, 2019Frankie Struggles – Francisco Lindor continued to struggle on Sunday. He went 1-for-12 in three games against the Twins. The Indians’ best player hit two foul pop-ups on Sunday. The four-time All-Star will look to rebound against Detroit.
Up Next – The Indians’ home stand continues with a four-game series against the Tigers. Adam Plutko will start for Cleveland on Monday evening. He enters with a 3-1 record and a 4.95 ERA. Daniel Norris is scheduled to start for Detroit. He’s 2-8 on the year with a 4.96 ERA.
