(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- Roberto Perez was the hero for the tribe as they salvaged a win over the Twins on Sunday afternoon. The Indians backstop Roberto Perez launched a 3-run home run in the sixth inning off of Minnesota starter Kyle Gibson to put the tribe ahead. The Cleveland bullpen did not fold, as the Indians closed out the game, defeating the Twins 7-5 to avoid a three-game sweep.
After losing the first two games of the series on a Saturday doubleheader, the Indians did not give up. "We responded very well" said Roberto Perez, who is batting an impressive .406 in his last ten games. "The first two games were tough losses. It was a must-win. We came out with a lot of energy. I thought guys had better at-bats and I'm glad we got the win." Perez's 417 foot moonshot to center field capped a four-run rally by the hometown tribe that started with a Jason Kipnis double off of Fernando Romero.
Shane Bieber got the start for the Indians, throwing 5 2/3 innings, giving up 4 earned runs on 11 hits, striking out four Minnesota batters. Nick Wittgren (5-1) relieved Bieber in the 5th and held the Twins to one lone run in 1 1/3 innings before being pulled by manager Terry Francona. In an attempt to fill the gap of the Brad Hand injury, Francona looked to James Hoyt to work the eighth inning and 2/3 of the ninth. Indians lefty Oliver Perez forced a red-hot Eddie Rosario to pop up to earn his first save of the season.
"My stomach was in my throat," said tribe manager Terry Francona. "But I'll tell you what, Hoyt, that is a big ask. I mean coming on the heels of pitching yesterday and just not being in that role here. He did a good job."
The Indians will have an off day on Monday before taking on the Detroit Tigers in a three-game series at home. Rookie right hander Zach Plesac is set to matchup against Detroit hurler Matthew Boyd. First pitch is set for 7:10 pm ET on Tuesday evening at Progressive Field in beautiful Cleveland, Ohio. Check out highlights from today's game below!