Cleveland Indians Power Past Minnesota Twins in 8-2 Victory

The Tribe ended a two-game losing streak on Tuesday night in Minnesota, defeating the Twins 8-2. Danny Salazar returned to the major league club, allowing just one run on six hits and three walks over five innings, while striking out six. Right-hander Yohan Pino did not fair as well, giving up four runs in 6 1/3 innings. He allowed seven hits and struck out five, but did not walk a batter. The rest of the damage from Indians’ hitters came against Matt Guerrier, who gave up four runs in just one inning.

Jul 22, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Nick Swisher (right) congratulates first baseman Carlos Santana (41) after their win against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Cleveland Indians win 8-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Key Innings

Top of the 2nd, tied 0-0
The Tribe got things started early, when Carlos Santana doubled to lead off the second inning. Lonnie Chisenhall reached base after being hit by an 0-2 pitch, and Nick Swisher loaded the bases with a single to center field. The Tribe took the lead when Santana and Chisenhall scored on David Murphy’s RBI single, and added another run on a Mike Aviles sacrifice fly. Santana later added a fifth-inning solo home run off of Pino, making the score 4-1.

Top of the 9th, Indians lead 4-2
Back-to-back doubles off the bats of Swisher and Murphy gave the Tribe an additional run to start the ninth inning, but the Indians didn’t stop there. With two out and a runner at third, Guerrier intentionally walked Jason Kipnis to get to Chris Dickerson. Kipnis stole second, and Dickerson responded with an RBI single to give the Tribe a 7-2 advantage. After walking Michael Brantley, Guerrier gave up a double to Santana that scored Dickerson.

The Positives

Santana almost hit for the cycle, finishing the night with a single, two doubles and a home run. Salazar looked solid in his return, earning the win and allowing just one run. Although he got himself into trouble at times, he worked out of it without any major damage.

The Negatives

Aviles filled in for Asdrubal Cabrera, who is day-to-day with lower back issues. While Aviles is an extremely competent replacement, it’s still a disadvantage for the Tribe to play down a player considering that they already utilize a short bench.

Check It Out

– Brantley and Chisenhall each failed to get a hit on Tuesday night, but that’s a rare occasion. Currently, Brantley is 4th in the AL with a .324 average, and Chisenhall is 6th at .320. They also lead in OBP – Chisenhall’s .391 and Brantley’s .386 OBPs are fourth and fifth in the league, respectively.

– Tribe pitchers have allowed 322 walks this season, and 887 hits. Those are some of the highest totals in MLB, which is why the Indians are 24th in WHIP, at 1.35. Four teams currently have a WHIP below 1.20 — The Mariners, A’s, Giants and Padres. The Rangers have a league-worst 1.50 WHIP.