Indians Shut Out Twins, 5-0

Aug 20, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Zach Walters (6) hits a home run in the second inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Indians Keep on Rolling

T.J. House pitched great the first five innings, the bullpen locked down the next four, and the offense provided enough run support to make this one of the easier victories of this most recent hot streak. When it was all said and done, the Indians marched their way to a 5-0 victory and pulled themselves within 5.5 games in the Central and 4.5 games in the Wild Card.

In the second game of a three game stop in Minneapolis, the Indians were looking to keep their recent stretch of solid baseball going. After winning six out of their last eight games, their hopes for making a run at the playoffs were reignited. Of course, the teams ahead of them need to cooperate, but that’s a story for another day, or article.

Taking the mound for his 12th start of the season, T.J. House looked spectacular. Over the course of 5 innings of work, he allowed four hits and walked three, but he was also able to weave his way in and out of trouble. The Twins stranded all six runners that reached base against house and only managed two more base runners once he left the game. With the shutout, the Indians have not allowed a run to cross the plate of their last 17 innings.

Offensively, T.J. House was helped early. Zach Walters, who is quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite, homered for the third time this season in the top of the second inning. The Titanic shot cleared the fence in right center and landed in the second deck. That’s a rather impressive feat for a place like Target Field.

Helping in the run scoring barrage were Jason Kipnis and Mike Aviles. They singled and doubled in the top of the fourth to drive in two more runs and make it a 3-0 game. Aviles struck again later in the game with a solo home run to left. Michael Bourn also contributed an RBI single in the top of the seventh.

The Indians will look to get the series sweep on Thursday afternoon when Corey Kluber takes the mound against the Twins’ ace, Phil Hughes. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM.

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