Indians Walk Off Again

The Indians have suddenly developed a flair for the dramatic. For the second time in a week they have found a way to keep fans on the edge of their seats, battle back from behind, and walk off on a game winning home run. Last time it was Ryan Raburn. This time around it was Carlos Santana. In the process, the Indians have now won seven straight games and keeping the heat on the Tigers in the AL Central race.

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Once again, Corey Kluber turned in another fine outing. Yes, he gave up four runs and no he did not get credit for the win, but he did manage to pitch 8.2 innings and nearly came through with the complete game. It wasn’t meant to be, though. Kluber allowed three runs to cross te plate in the 6th on some tough luck and then allowed one of the two Chicago runs that scored in the top of the ninth. Cody Allen followed Kluber on the hill and promptly surrendered Chicago’s 5th run of the game in just .1 of an inning.

However, the story of the game was the Indians offense. They jumped out to a 3-0 lead by scoring runs in the bottom of the first, fourth, and fifth innings. The first came on a Jason Kipnis ground out. The next two came on RBI doubles by Michael Brantley and Carlos Santana.

In the bottom of the ninth, trailing 5-3 and looking as is their six game winning streak might be coming to an end, the Indians scratched and clawed their way back. They managed to load the bases with no one out. Michael Bourn stepped to the plate and delivered a sacrifice fly to deep center field to score Brantley. After walking Nick Swisher to load the bases, Jason Kipnis did his part by hitting a sacrifice fly of his own to right field to tie the game up at 5-5.

Following a perfect top of the tenth from Chris Perez, Carlos Santana stepped to the plate against Dylan Axelrod. Looking to work his on base magic, Santana was simply looking to get on base and ignite a rally. He did one better. Instead of working his way on base, Santana drilled a pitch into the right field stands. The home run, Santana’s 12th of the season, put the Tribe up 6-5 and sent the Cleveland home faithful.

With the victory, the Indians kept pace with the Tigers for the AL Central lead. The Tigers defeated the Nationals by a score of 11-1 on Wednesday and have been matching the Indians seemingly win for win as of late. The Indians will take on the White Sox in the fourth and final game of their series this afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 12:05.

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The Good: The never say die attitude and Carlos Santana’s game winning home run were an awesome sight to behold. It’s this type of game that makes you feel like there might be something special about this team in 2013.

The Bad: The fact that the Indians were unable to protect a three run lead is a bit discouraging, but it’s easier to swallow knowing the Indians still found a way to get the victory.