Guardians 4 - 1 Athletics
Final
  for this game

Indians top A's in another final at-bat win

May 4, 2011 - 7:37 AM

Video

Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Orlando Cabrera and Asdrubal Cabrera combined to drive in three ninth-inning runs off Brian Fuentes, as the Indians downed Oakland, 4-1, in the opener of a three-game set at the Coliseum.

The Indians struck gold against the closer Fuentes, winning their seventh straight game and pushing their record to an MLB-leading 20-8.

"There's nothing magical about it," said Cleveland manager Manny Acta, "it's just that we have been able to put together at bats."

Which is what the Indians did Tuesday.

Michael Brantley walked in the ninth and was erased on a pickoff, but the out didn't deter the AL Central-leading Indians, as Matt LaPorta fisted a single to left, Jack Hannahan's grounder found real estate into right field and Orlando Cabrera's solid liner to center gave the visitors the lead.

Grady Sizemore was plunked in the back with a curveball to load the bases before Asdrubal Cabrera's two-run single chased Fuentes (1-3) and pushed the lead to 4-1.

"We expect a lot out of ourselves," said LaPorta. "If you don't expect greatness, you shouldn't be here."

Chris Perez worked the ninth frame for his eighth save, holding on for Fausto Carmona (3-3), who gave up just the one run on five hits with five strikeouts and one walk over eight solid frames.

Neither team mounted much of a threat until the home fourth when Daric Barton singled and David DeJesus reached on an infield hit off Carmona's glove with nobody out. A pair of groundouts led to Barton crossing home for a 1-0 lead in the fourth.

Cleveland tied the game in the seventh, finally solving Tyson Ross' firepower. Carlos Santana reached on an infield hit, moved to third on Brantley's single and came home to score on LaPorta's base hit to center.

Game Notes

Hideki Matsui finished 2-for-4 in defeat...Ross was solid for the A's, giving up just one run on eight hits with three strikeouts over 6 1/3 frames...Asdrubal Cabrera had three hits, while Santana, LaPorta and Hannahan each finished with two.






Related News