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Cabrera, Tomlin lift Tribe over Twins

Aug 14, 2011 - 4:49 AM Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Asdrubal Cabrera's three-run homer in the third inning was all the offense the Indians needed in a 3-1 victory over the Twins at Progressive Field.

Cleveland had 10 hits and two walks, and most of them didn't lead to runs. But after Shin-Soo Choo began the third inning with a walk, Jason Donald singled and Cabrera blasted a shot to left to help his team beat Minnesota for a second straight game.

The Indians edged the Twins, 3-2, in the series opener Friday.

Cabrera's home run also continued his career year. It was his 20th of the season and gave him 71 RBI -- both career highs. The infielder had never hit more than six homers in a season prior to 2011.

"It's impressive, and it's due to maturity and the type of leadership he's developing now," Indians manager Manny Acta said of Cabrera. "It comes with it; guys that learn how to play through pain and show their teammates how they're going to be out there every single day no matter what. He's done that for us."

His latest shot provided the decisive runs thanks to a strong start by Josh Tomlin (12-5), who allowed only one run in 6 1/3 innings. The right-hander threw just 84 pitches -- 57 for strikes -- in another efficient outing.

Tomlin hasn't exceeded 100 pitches in his last 14 starts, but has still averaged more than six innings over the stretch.

Minnesota's Brian Duensing (8-11) took his third consecutive loss after allowing Cabrera's homer.

He struck out nine while giving up nine hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings, but the lack of offensive production led to the Twins' eighth loss in nine games.

Cleveland stranded runners on second base in the first two innings, but Cabrera cashed in during the third.

"You've got to tip your hat to him," Duensing said. "It wasn't where I wanted, but I don't feel it was that bad of a pitch."

The Indians' pitching staff took care of the rest.

Minnesota got its first good scoring chance in the seventh, which Justin Morneau began with a double. Jim Thome -- who is still in pursuit of his 600th career home run, but went 0-for-3 Saturday to remain stuck on 598 -- walked with one out to chase Tomlin.

Joe Smith entered and retired the first batter he faced, but Delmon Young then sliced a ball to shallow right field to plate Morneau.

However, that was the only run the Twins produced in the situation. Rafael Perez struck out Tsuyoshi Nishioka to end the inning.

Tony Sipp worked a 1-2-3 eighth, and Chris Perez tossed a perfect ninth for his 25th save.

Game Notes

The Indians improved to 4-1 on their homestand, which concludes with Sunday's game...Saturday's victory was the 60th of the season for Cleveland. Last year, the club didn't win its 60th game until September 16...Donald finished 2-for-4 with a triple.