(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- The Tampa Bay Rays took a 3-run lead in the third inning on a 2-run shot off the bat of Austin Meadows, and never looked back on their way to first place in the American League East. The big bat of Austin Meadows launched two homers for a total of 4 RBI, while the Rays bullpen shut it down for 9 innings to secure an 8-2 victory over the Indians.
Terry Francona's understudy Kevin Cash continues to have the Cleveland skipper's number, notching 11 consecutive wins against the tribe. Kevin Cash decided to go with a bullpen game, and it kept the Indians off balance throughout the entirety of the game. The Tampa Bay bullpen combined for 1 earned run on 5 hits, striking out 10 batters without issuing a single walk in a total of 9 innings.
The Cleveland Indians will look to avoid the four-game sweep on Sunday afternoon when they will host the Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch on Sunday is set for 1:10 pm ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.