Blaine Boyer relieved Gallagher to begin the 7th inning, with the Yankees leading 3-1. Boyer gave up a lead-off single to RF Dan Brewer, who then advanced to second base on C Gustavo Molina’s dribbly ground out. Brewer stole third base, but Boyer left him standing there with a strikeout and a ground out to end the inning.
Danny Moskos (photo) took the mound for the bottom of the 8th, in his first appearance since returning from the Pirates. The Indians fielders had on a big shift to the left, giving DH Jesus Montero the opportunity to shoot a low liner through the big gap on the right side of the infield and into right field for a single. After a pop out, Maxwell singled down the right field line, moving Montero to third base. Montero scored on Laird’s line drive single into left field, then Maxwell scored from second base when Russo smacked the Yankees’ third consecutive single. Brewer grounded to short, but SS Greg Picart had to go deep into the hole to get the ball. He got the force out at second base, but there was not time to also get Brewer out at first. Moskos ended the inning with a strikeout.
Warren was replaced by Yankees’ reliever Amauri Sanit in the top of the 9th. Sanit got two quick outs, then gave up only the Indians’ fourth hit in the game — a single to Bowker. Bowker grounded sharply back up the middle, and 2B Russo made a diving stop to keep the ball from going into the outfield. Russo’s throw to first probably would not have been in time to make the out on Bowker, but the throw sailed over the head of 1B Vazquez, allowing Bowker to keep running to second base. A wild pitch from Sanit advanced Bowker to third, but the game ended with Bowker still there when Hague grounded out.
Indians’ Hitting Gem of the Game: The Tribe posted only 4 hits, but two of them were by John Bowker. Both of Bowker’s singles went to the Yankees’ 2B Kevin Russo, the first tipping off Russo’s glove and dropping at his feet, and the second making Russo dive to keep the ball in the infield.
Indians’ Defensive Gem of the Game: Also Bowker. In the bottom of the 6th, Russo hit one to Bowker — a line drive into right field, not far from the line. Bowker raced over and made an excellent back-handed catch of the liner to end the inning.
NOTES:
The Indians continue their road trip to Pawtucket, Rhode Island. They will have a scheduled day off on Wednesday, then play a 4-game series with the Pawtucket Red Sox beginning on Thursday.
Go Tribe!
(photos by Nancy)
