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Indians beat Royals on LaPorta's walkoff HR

Jul 31, 2011 - 4:05 AM

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Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Matt LaPorta hit a game-winning three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Indians over the Royals, 5-2, in the second of a three-game set at Progressive Field.

The Indians trailed 2-1 entering the ninth but Kosuke Fukudome -- who was acquired by the team earlier this week -- hit a sacrifice fly to score Orlando Cabrera and tie the game.

Cabrera was pinch-running for Travis Hafner, who reached on a fielder's choice. He moved to third on Carlos Santana's double down the left-field line before Fukudome knocked him in.

LaPorta then came to the plate with two aboard a roped a 1-1 fastball off the railing in the left-field stands to win the game.

"I was pretty excited," LaPorta said. "We did a good job, everybody up until that point getting on base and moving guys over and trying to score a run."

Adding to the excitement, the Indians reportedly worked out a trade to acquire Rockies starter Ubaldo Jimenez for pitchers Drew Pomeranz, Alex White and Joe Gardner and utility player Matt McBride.

Jimenez, an All-Star in 2010, started Colorado's game at San Diego, but was pulled after one inning on the eve of the non-waiver trade deadline. He was pounded for two hits, four walks and four runs, moving his season ERA to 4.46. He entered with a 6-9 record.

The Indians also traded Cabrera to the San Francisco Giants following the win. In return Cleveland aquires outfielder Thomas Neal. Neal has hit .295 with two homers and 25 RBI over 60 games for Triple A Fresno. Cabrera hit .244 in 91 games with the Tribe.

Tony Sipp (6-2) picked up the win after appearing in one inning of relief of Jason Masterson. Masterson gave up two runs on nine hits over eight-plus innings.

Joakim Soria (5-4) was tagged with the loss after surrendering the game- winning homer.

With the game tied at 1-1, the Royals took their second lead of the game in the ninth inning after Chris Getz singled home Jeff Francouer. Francouer reached on a single, stole second then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt before scoring on Getz's hit.

Earlier, Kansas City took a 1-0 lead in the first inning. Alex Gordon drew a leadoff walk, then moved to third when Asdrubal Cabrera doubled off the fence in right. Eric Hosmer then plated Gordon after grounding out to second.

The Indians threatened to score in the sixth with LaPorta on third and one out. Michael Brantley flew out to left and LaPorta attempted to tag up on the play but was gunned down at home by Gordon. LaPorta ran catcher Matt Treanor over -- knocking him out of the game -- but Treanor was able to hold onto the ball for the double play. Felipe Paulino, who started the game, then retired Jason Kipnis to end the inning.

"Paulino threw the ball great," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "His fastball had great life on it and good slider and he mixed in some good curveballs and changeups."

The Indians tied the game at 1-1 in the eighth. Lonnie Chisenhall walked to open the inning, moved to second on a passed ball, then slid under the tag at home on Brantley's single to right. Franceour's throw beat Chisenhall to the plate, but he slid under the legs of catcher Brayan Pena who attempted to tag Chisenhall on the shoulders.

Game Notes

The Indians won their second game in nine tries...Fukudome knocked in his first run since joining the Tribe...Hosmer extended his hitting streak to 11 games.






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