CLEVELAND, Ohio – Brad Hand was a perfect 22-for-22 in save opportunities this season, but that streak came to an abrupt halt on Tuesday night. Hand allowed five straight hits to start the ninth inning, including a grand slam in the Royals 8-6 comeback win over the Tribe.
Hunter Dozier's blast left a crowd of over 21,000 speechless. Hand suddenly looked human after being the Indians' most consistent player all season long. He didn't record an out in the ninth inning. It was his first blown save of the year.
“I got ahead and was just trying to bury a few sliders, and left them up,” Hand said. “Sometimes when you throw too many strikes, it comes back to hurt you. But just got ahead of a few of those batters and made some mistakes.
“No, I mean I felt physically good,” Hand said. “I’d let them know if something felt tired or whatever. But felt good. Just didn’t make some pitches.”
NOT TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT BUT @hdozier_17 MIGHT BE THE GREATEST HUMAN WHO HAS EVER LIVED.#AlwaysRoyal pic.twitter.com/rNFUPkmpdz
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 26, 2019“I think he just proved he’s human,” manager Terry Francona said. “He had been pretty much flawless. It hurts to lose a game, but to expect somebody to never give up runs is not realistic."
Hand will get Wednesday and Thursday off after appearing in five of six games.
The Indians hit four home runs in the game and it looked like they were going to cruise to their fifth straight win. Francisco Lindor got things started in the first inning with a leadoff double. Oscar Mercado singled to give the Indians a 1-0 lead.
Kansas City responded in the fifth inning with two hits, including a two-run double by Whit Merrifield.
The lead wouldn’t stand for long, as Roberto Perez and Mike Freeman hit back-to-back home runs in the bottom half of the inning to put the Tribe up 3-2. The Royals tied it, but Naquin’s two-run homer in the sixth inning gave the Indians a 5-3 lead.
Shane Bieber got the start, allowing three runs (two earned) in 5⅔ innings. His ERA rose to 3.83 on the season. He didn't have his best stuff, but was able to work out of two jams early in the game. The Royals grounded into double plays to end the third and the fourth inning.
The Indians used six relievers, including Tyler Clippard and Oliver Perez.
Lindor had two doubles, including an Omar Vizquel-esque barehand grab-and-throw in the second inning.
Here’s the video. Just insane pic.twitter.com/7GlCSLkdvT
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) June 25, 2019Slamtana – Carlos Santana has reached base safely in 20 consecutive games. He finished 1-for-3 with a walk and a home run. It was his 18th homer of the season. The 33-year-old is one of three finalists to start at first base for the American League in the All-Star Game.
#VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos #VoteLos pic.twitter.com/CvohNqUPaS
— SportsTime Ohio (@SportsTimeOhio) June 26, 2019Tribe fans can vote for Santana starting on Wednesday at Noon. The polls close on Thursday at 4 p.m. C.J. Cron of the Twins and Luke Voit of the Yankees are the other two finalists. The player who receives the most votes will start at first base for the American League in the All-Star Game on July 9.
Up Next – Trevor Bauer is on the mound for the Indians on Wednesday, as they look to win the series. He enters with a 5-6 record and a 3.69 ERA. Jake Junis will pitch for Kansas City. He’s 4-6 on the season with a 5.18 ERA.
