MINNEAPOLIS — Eddie Rosario broke an eighth-inning tie with a two-run single and the Cleveland Indians defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-1 Friday night.
Rosario, who spent six seasons with the Twins, was playing his first game in Minnesota since he signed with Cleveland in the offseason. Austin Hedges and Cesar Hernandez started the eighth with singles off reliever Jorge Alcala.
With runners at the corners and one out, Twins manager Rocco Baldelli elected to intentionally walk José Ramírez, the Indians' home run and RBI leader, to fill the bases. Rosario -- riding a 10-game hitting streak entering action -- then lined Taylor Rogers' first pitch into center field to drive in two runs, putting the Tribe (41-31) on top 3–1. Blake Parker earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief.
The Twins (31-43) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but Cleveland rookie J.C. Mejia allowed only that single run over six innings in what was the strongest start of his young career. Bobby Bradley and Austin Hedges added RBIs, and James Karinchak earned his ninth save.
The Indians have now won seven of their last 10 games and sit just two behind the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central division. They'll face the Twins again Friday night, with Cal Quantrill (0-2, 2.74 ERA) getting the start against Danny Coulombe, who will make his season debut as the "opener" in what will be a bullpen game for Minnesota.
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