The Cleveland Indians were down but not out as they were able to rally from being down three runs to comeback and defeat the Detroit Tigers 7-6.
Well Trevor Bauer did not have back-to-back complete game shutouts. Bauer only lasted four innings and allowed five runs on 10 hits while striking out five. Detroit must have picked up on some tendencies from Sunday and made some adjustments. Luckily the Indians bullpen was able to pitch five innings and only allow one run. Nick Goody, Nick Wittgren, Tyler Clippard and Adam Cimber pitched a combined 4.1 innings and did not allow a hit. Brad Hand gave up a run while securing the save in the ninth. Hand is again tied with Tigers closer Shane Greene for the American League lead in saves with 21.
While Cleveland got out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to a two-run homer by Carlos Santana, they soon found themselves down 5-2 in the fifth. That is when the rally started. Tyler Naquin slugged a solo home run to cut the Tigers lead to two.
The sixth inning provided even more fireworks. Jordan Luplow predictably clobbered a home run to left field. All but one of Luplow’s home runs this season have come off of left handed pitching. Roberto Perez would later tie the game by driving in Jose Ramirez.
The eighth inning found the Indians taking the lead. Jason Kipnis hit an RBI triple which was initially thought to be a two-run homer. Jake Bauers would come though with a sacrifice fly to drive in Kipnis and give Cleveland a two run lead. This would prove to be a crucial run due to the run given up by Brad Hand in the ninth.
