Miguel Cabrera (left hand), who would later collect his 2,500th career hit, was one of three Tigers hit by pitches from Indians right-handed pitcher Trevor Bauer early in the game.
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The Indians continued their 2016 domination of the Tigers on Saturday with a walk-off win – that’s 13 wins in 14 games for Cleveland against Detroit this year – and improved their lead in the AL Central to eight games.
“Trevor was scattering balls all over the place”, said Indians manager Terry Francona.
Bauer appeared to apologize as Kinsler walked to first base, after being checked out for a few minutes by athletic trainer Kevin Rand. Carrasco was the team’s No. 2 starter – Cleveland already was missing No. 3 starter Danny Salazar, who has not pitched since September 9 because of a strained right forearm and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Looking ahead to October, the injuries to those two starting pitchers will be the primary question regarding the Indians’ chances to advance to their first World Series since 1997. That leaves Josh Tomlin as the probable starter for a Game 3, with Mike Clevinger the most likely candidate if a fourth starter is needed.
After Bauer hit two batters in the top of the third inning, the first pitch from Tigers starter Daniel Norris in the bottom of the third sailed behind Indians hitter Rajai Davis.
Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said he didnt think Bauer was trying to hit anyone on objective, but didnt like the results. They continue their homestand with three-game series against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday-Thursday and then the Chicago White Sox this weekend. Manship, Kyle Crockett, Cody Anderson, Zach McAllister, Perci Garner, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen preceded Miller.
The Indians enter Tuesday leading the Detroit Tigers by seven games in the American League Central.
“Right when it happened, I called (bullpen coach Jason Bere) down there and said, ‘Tell them to put their seat belts on”. Ian Kinsler was hit in the head by a 93 m.p.h. fastball in the third inning.
“Obviously, this is a tough team loss, ” he said.
Cleveland countered with two runs in the bottom of the fifth, one coming on a sacrifice fly by Francisco Lindor that shaved the Tigers’ lead to 5-4. The right-hander also hit Miguel Cabrera on the left hand in the first and Victor Martinez on the right knee later in the third.
Tigers: 3B Nick Castellanos (broken right hand) will face pitchers the next two days in Lakeland, Florida.
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Indians: OF Lonnie Chisenhall (strained abdominal muscle) was announced as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning but was removed following a pitching change. Bauer is 3-2 with a 6.64 ERA in eight career starts against the Tigers.
