(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND--In a 2020 season of change, the new Extra Innings rule of starting the inning with a runner at 2nd base proved to be the difference in tonight's result. The Kansas City Royals drove in a run in the 10th while the Cleveland Indians were unable to respond which led to the Indians falling to the Royals in extras 3-2 in 10 innings.
The Royals decided to bunt with their leadoff hitter Erick Mejia which created 1 out but more importantly moved their pitch-runner Brett Phillips from second to third. Then Maikel Franco connected with a Sacrifice fly to bring Phillips home for the go-ahead run in the 10th.
Terry Francona did not follow Royals manager Mike Matheny's strategy of bunting the leadoff runner. Royals closer Greg Holland shutout the Indians with Francisco Lindor at the plate and Greg Allen at second. Allen never moved from second base in the 10th inning.
The Indians finished with only four hits (one hit after the third inning). The Indians had the bases loaded in the ninth inning with the score tied 2-2 but Roberto Perez struck out swinging.
Indians Starter Mike Clevinger had a really good game, but he gave up two solo homers in the first in an otherwise standout start.
These two teams will wrap up their three game set tomorrow afternoon at 1:10pm on Newsradio WTAM 1100AM/106.9FM and the iHeartRadio App. Indians will start Carlos Carrasco for the first time since May 30 in 2019. Meanwhile, the Royals will have a bullpen day.
P.S. After today's results, every AL Central team has a 1-1 record after two games and with 58 games left.