Chicago, IL – Asdrubal Cabrera hit a go-ahead two-run single in the eighth inning, scoring Drew Stubbs and Michael Brantley, as the Cleveland Indians opened a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox with a 3-2 victory.
Lonnie Chisenhall drove in one run for the Indians, who have won three straight games after losing their previous five. Starter Justin Masterson (4-1) allowed two runs on four hits and four walks over seven innings, while Chris Perez pitched a scoreless ninth to pick up his third save of the season.
"He was falling behind," said Indians manager Terry Francona. "Once he got into the middle innings, he started really working ahead more. Even when he fell behind, his ball had enough life where he was still a pretty effective pitcher, but it's certainly a lot easier for him when he works ahead."
Conor Gillaspie knocked a solo homer and Hector Gimenez drove in a run for the White Sox, who saw Dylan Axelrod have a solid performance in a no-decision. He gave up just one run on three hits and two walks in six innings.
"It's just unfortunate," said Axelrod. "We're just in a little bit of a rut. We just need to find a way to get it done."
Chisenhall knocked in the game's first run in the second inning with a two-out double that brought Jason Giambi home.
Gillaspie's leadoff home run in the third tied the game at 1-1. Gimenez gave the White Sox the lead in the fourth when he hit a two-out double, scoring Alexei Ramirez.
In the eighth, with Matt Thornton (0-1) pitching, Stubbs had an infield single with one out and stole second base before Brantley worked a walk. Both of them advanced after Thornton threw wildly to second in an attempt to pick off Stubbs. After Jason Kipnis struck out, Cabrera's line drive to center gave Cleveland the lead.
Perez came in to pitch the ninth for the Indians. He allowed a one-out single to Gillaspie, but got the next two batters out to end the game.
Game Notes
Adam Dunn, who ended a 0-for-31 slump on Sunday, was 0-for-4 with a strikeout. He is batting .101 and has struck out 27 times this season ... Cabrera, Stubbs and Kipnis each had a stolen base ... The White Sox were 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and left six men on base.
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