Indians Avoid Opening Series Sweep with 9-3 Win Over Tigers

(Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)

DETROIT, MI -- The Cleveland Indians headed to Comerica Ballpark on Easter Sunday hungry for a victory after dropping the first two games of the season to the pesky Detroit Tigers. Tribe starter Aaron Civale got off to a shaky start, giving up two long balls for 3 earned runs in the early innings. Civale settled down after the third inning and cruised into the 7th without giving up another base hit. The lid came off on the Indians offense in the 7th inning, with he tribe exploding for four runs to take a commanding lead. Young flamethrower Emmanuel Clase shut the door on the Tigers in the 9th inning to secure the Indians first win of the season by the final score of 9-3.

Cleveland's late rally was started by a line drive single off the bat of Ahmed Rosario, and was follwoed up by a Josh Naylor ground rule double. Yu Chang stepped to the plate with no outs and two men in scoring position, and come up in the clutch with a two run single to center field. With Chang on base and one out, platoon outfielder Jordan Luplow launched a 2-run blast to left field. Franmil Reyes extended the Indians lead even further in the 8th inning with a 2-run shot to left. Cleveland Catcher Austin hedges snapped his cold spell at the plate with a solo homer in the top half of the 9th.

Detroit outfielder Akil Baddoo was not expected to make the big league roster heading into this year's spring training, but had a breakout campaign and made the show. The young outfielder stepped into the batter's box for his first ever major league at bat with his parents watching in the stands. Baddoo jumped on the first pitch he saw from Aaron Civale and set it out of the park to left field for his first major league hit and home run on his first ever pitch.

The Cleveland Indians move to a 1-3 record and will head back home to prepare for a home series against the Royals. First pitch for the Cleveland Indian's home opener is set for 4:10 pm ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from the tribe's first win below!


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