CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Indians and Yankees went back and forth on Sunday afternoon. It all came to an end in the tenth inning when Aaron Hicks hit a RBI double to give New York a 7-6 win.
The Indians didn't go down without a fight, rallying from an early five-run deficit and scoring in the ninth inning to force extras.
"I was actually really proud of the way they competed today," manager Terry Francona said. "It’s a tough way to start the day and then knowing what’s sitting out there ready to come in. That was a heck of a game. There was a lot going on.”
Indians starter Shane Bieber had one of the worst outings of his career, allowing five runs in 1 ⅔ innings. He retired the first five batters he faced, before giving up five runs with two outs and not making it out of the second inning. It equals the shortest start of Bieber’s career.
He allowed seven runs in 1 ⅔ innings against Pittsburgh on July 8, 2018. The Indians were forced to use six relievers, who allowed two runs in 8 ⅓ innings of work.
The Indians only had one hit in the first five innings. Momentum swung their way in the sixth. They scored four runs, including a two-run homer from Mike Freeman that helped cut the Yankees lead to 5-4. Jake Bauers tied the game in the seventh inning with a homer that traveled 434 feet.
Now is as nice of a time as any for a 3️⃣6️⃣9️⃣ foot homer, no?LET'S GO, MIKE!#RallyTogether pic.twitter.com/Pm5IwCgTgx
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians)
June 9, 2019 The Yankees took a 6-5 lead in the ninth on a Clint Frazier sacrifice fly, but the Indians scored a run of their own in the bottom of the inning thanks to a Didi Gregorius error.
The Indians have won four of their last six games, including series wins over the Twins and the Yankees.
Health Update – Jason Kipnis left the game in the sixth inning with right hip tightness. It was a precautionary move according to the Indians.
Mike Clevinger will start for Double-A Akron on Tuesday. If all goes well, his next appearance will be in the big leagues. The 28-year-old
hasn’t pitched since April 12 after suffering a Teres major muscle strain in his back. He hasn’t allowed a run in two starts this season.
Honoring CC – The Indians
honored CC Sabathia before the game. The 38-year-old was in Cleveland for eight seasons, appearing in three All-Star games and winning the Cy Young Award. Watch the Indians' tribute to Sabathia below:
CC you later! --In today's pregame ceremonies, we honored CC Sabathia who began his Big League career in Cleveland.In 8 seasons, CC went a combined 106-71 with a 3.83 ERA. He also won a Cy Young with us in 2007.Congratulations on a great career, CC! pic.twitter.com/1A3XN8cPwS
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians)
June 9, 2019 Up Next – The Indians have Monday off, before hosting the Reds for two games. Trevor Bauer will get the ball on Tuesday, looking for his first win since April 30. He’ll go up against Cincinnati ace Luis Castillo.
