• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Indians complete sweep in Minnesota

Sep 18, 2011 - 11:13 PM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - For the second consecutive game, the Cleveland Indians used a six-run inning -- this time in the seventh -- to charge back and defeat the Minnesota Twins, 6-5, to sweep the three-game series at Target Field.

Cleveland starter Justin Masterson (12-10) lasted six innings, allowing three runs -- one earned -- on seven hits and one walk. He struck out three.

Minnesota starter Carl Pavano (8-13) picked up the loss. He went 6 2/3 innings, surrendering four runs -- one earned -- on five hits while walking one and fanning six.

The Twins jumped out to a 3-0 lead after six innings. Luke Hughes scored on a Joe Beason groundout in the second frame to start the scoring for Minnesota.

In the fourth inning, Hughes crossed the plate for a second time when Indians catcher Lou Marson committed a throwing error while Joe Benson attempted to steal second base. Hughes scored a third time in the sixth when Brian Dinkelman singled to right field.

The Indians exploded for six runs in the seventh, five coming with two outs. Shelly Duncan began the scoring with a home run to left. Jose Mijares relieved Pavano with the bases loaded. Mijares walked Jason Kipnis to bring home Ezequiel Carrera. Alex Burnett came on to pitch for Minnesota, and walked Carlos Santana to push across the tying run.

Twins manager Ron Gardenhire went to the bullpen once again, this time bringing in Glen Perkins, who allowed an RBI infield single to Jim Thome. Duncan came up for the second time in the inning and doubled to deep left to score two more and make it 6-3.

Minnesota tallied two bases loaded walks by Danny Valencia and Ben Revere off of Vinnie Pestano to trim the lead to 6-5 in the eighth.

Cleveland's Chris Perez closed things out in the ninth for his 34th save of the year.

Game Notes

The Twins and Indians finalized the Jim Thome trade from August 25 with Cleveland sending $20,000 to Minnesota...Dinkelman went 4-for-5 for Minnesota...The Indians are now 60-3 when leading after eight innings.