Indians top Twins 5-4 on Michael Brantley’s single in 9th

Published 8:02 am Friday, August 10, 2018

CLEVELAND — Michael Brantley knew what was coming after giving the Cleveland Indians their second straight walk-off victory over the Minnesota Twins.

Brantley was mobbed by his teammates as he rounded first base following his ninth-inning single that gave Cleveland a 5-4 win Thursday.

Cleveland’s All-Star left fielder did his best to avoid the various items poured over his head.

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“It’s tough,” Brantley said. “You’ve got some Gatorade. Some (baby) powder. You name it. It’s coming at you.”

The latest celebration took place about 18 hours after Francisco Lindor hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning Wednesday night for a 5-2 victory.

While Thursday’s party was a bit more subdued, the Indians persevered after Minnesota rallied from a 4-0 deficit against reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber.

Brantley grounded a 2-1 pitch off Addison Reed (1-6) past a diving Miguel Sano at first base to score Greg Allen. Brantley avoided over-analyzing the moment.

“I try to clear my mind,” he said. “It’s really too hard to think and hit. Just keep it simple and try to get that run the best you can.”

“It’s nice to have him up in that situation,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “You know the at-bat’s not going to get ahead of him or be too big.”

The Indians lead Minnesota by 11 games in the AL Central and are 35-16 against division foes this season. Sano’s ninth-inning home run off closer Cody Allen tied Wednesday’s game, but the Twins lost on Lindor’s blast.