CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – The Indians can't score runs against A.L. Central-leading Minnesota.
In Cleveland's 3-2 loss to the Twins on Monday night, the Indians had chances to drive in runs but left 11 runners on base.
In five games against the Twins, Cleveland managed to score six runs. Meanwhile, Minnesota – extended its division lead over Cleveland to 2 1/2 games -- scored 13 runs against the Indians this season.
“It’s frustrating,” Said Sandy Alomar, who’s replacing Terry Francona. “They’ve tried to swing early, go deep into counts. I try to put them in situations where they can drive the baseball to get runs.”
Indians DH Franmil Reyes was not subpar at the plate. The 25-year-old slugger went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. Jose Ramirez didn’t do well at the plate, too. The All-Star third baseman went 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.
The first Indians run of the night came all the back in the first inning on a leadoff home run from second baseman Cesar Hernandez – making the first time in team history a player hit a leadoff home run in back-to-back games, according to Elias.
In the seventh, Cleveland added its final run on an RBI single by first baseman Carlos Santana.
Cleveland (17-12) had chances to get runs on the scoreboard fourth. With two outs, Mike Freeman hit a single, and Roberto Perez reached on a Jorge Polanco error at short shop. Greg Allen ended the Indians' chance to score with a groundout to first.
The Indians had another opportunity in the sixth to get some runs. Santana and Jordan Luplow with hitting a single, but Perez struck out swinging to end Cleveland's threat.
Minnesota (20-10) took the lead in the sixth. Left fielder Eddie Rosario hit a double to left-center, then Miguel Sano blasted a two-run home run to left to right – making it 3-1 Twins.
The Twins had a chance to take the lead in the fifth, but Cleveland's defense prevents a run. Jorge Polanco hit a double down the right-field line to advance Luis Arraez. However, Arraez was called out at home plate from a Tyler Naquin throw to Carlos Santana and relayed the ball to Roberto Perez to tag out Arraez to end the inning.
“Santana probably has the best arm in the infield,” Alomar said. “He has an over-the-top catchers arm and is a good relay guy.”
Twins DH Nelson Cruz hit his 11th home run of the year -- a solo home run -- to right field to tie the game at 1-1.
Indians pitcher Aaron Civale (3-3) went six innings, giving up seven hits and struck out eight.
The Indians will look to end their four-game losing streak to the Twins on Tuesday. Shane Bieber (5-0, 1.11 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland, while Minnesota counters with lefty Rich Hill (1-1, 4.70 ERA).