Cleveland Tops Twins 5-3 In 10 Innings, Clinched By Luplow's 2-Run Homer
CLEVELAND (AP) — Jordan Luplow hit a two-run homer in the 10th inning off Alex Colomé, giving the Cleveland Indians a 5-3 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their series opener Monday night.
Luplow's second career game-ending homer was a leadoff shot that easily cleared the wall in left field, scoring free runner César Hernández from second base. Minnesota fell to 0-5 in extra-inning games.
Emmanuel Clase (2-1) worked one perfect inning for the win, helping Cleveland to its second straight victory. Luplow was the only batter faced by Colomé (1-3).
It was the first of 19 meetings this season between teams that have combined to win the last five AL Central titles. Minnesota is the two-time defending champion.
Luis Arraez gave the Twins a 3-2 lead in the eighth when he singled home Jake Cave with two outs, but José Ramírez answered in the bottom half with a homer off Tyler Duffey that hooked just inside the foul pole in right.
Indians starter Zach Plesac allowed three runs in a season-high 7 2/3 innings, striking out four. The right-hander had dropped his last two starts, giving up six runs in both games over 5 2/3 total innings.
José Berríos of the Twins worked 5 2/3 innings, permitting two runs and five hits. The right-hander has never lost at Progressive Field, going 3-0 with a 3.83 ERA in seven outings.
Minnesota went in front 2-0 on a solo homer by Brent Rooker in the second and a sacrifice fly by Jorge Polanco in the fourth.
Eddie Rosario doubled home Hernández with two outs in the sixth, then came around on Franmil Reyes' single to pull Cleveland even at 2. Rosario spent his first six seasons with the Twins before signing with the Indians on Feb. 4.
Josh Naylor tied his career high with three hits and Rosario had two, while Indians catcher Roberto Pérez stole his first base since Aug. 11, 2018. It was Pérez's second theft in eight seasons.
Alex Kirilloff doubled for his first major league hit for the Twins, who reinstated shortstop Andrelton Simmons from the COVID-19 injured list before the game.
OPPOSING VIEWS
Indians president Chris Antonetti defended the rights of RHP James Karinchak to speak out against mass COVID-19 vaccinations, but said the franchise does not agree with him. "The vast majority of our players and staff opted for the vaccine and continue to follow the protocols around mask wearing, and that's something we'll continue to encourage and support," Antonetti said. "But in the end, people are free to make their own choices and decisions."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Twins: OF Byron Buxton (patella soreness) was not in the lineup after waking up with a sore knee. Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli said Buxton has been bothered by the problem for several weeks.
Indians: RHP Nick Wittgren (paternity list) and wife Ashley welcomed the birth of their son, Camden, at 2:30 a.m. LHP Kyle Nelson was recalled from the alternate site to replace Wittgren on the active roster.
UP NEXT
Twins: RHP Kenta Maeda (1-1, 6.11 ERA) has won all three of his career starts against Cleveland, posting a 0.50 ERA with 20 strikeouts over 18 innings.
Indians: RHP Aaron Civale (3-0, 2.42 ERA) has not lost in four starts this season, allowing only 14 hits and nine walks in 26 innings while striking out 22.
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