Cleveland Indians Beat Chicago White Sox 5-3 Thanks To Big At-Bats In Late Innings [VIDEO]

The Cleveland Indians‘ home opener began with a full house. After spending years in the dumps, the Indians became a championship contender in 2016 and took the Chicago Cubs all the way to Game 7 in the World Series. Part of the reason why has been intense players like Max Moroff.

Cleveland Tops White Sox With Big At-Bats

When the infielder walked up to bat in the eighth inning, he said he couldn’t even hear the song he’d picked out as his walkup music.

“It was an amazing atmosphere, I don’t think I’ve ever ever experienced anything like that,” Moroff said. “It was really loud. But once I got in the box I locked in and got it done.”

With one out, Moroff took no time to work the count before sending a first-pitch sinker from Chicago White Sox reliever Dylan Covey to left field. Moroff reached first base for a single and Jake Bauers came home, tying the game up 3-3.

“It was a good pitch, luckily I just put a good swing on it,” Moroff said. “Just had to stay aggressive and I got the pitch.”

It was Moroff’s third game-tying hit and the second time he’d done so in the eighth inning or later. He is now 4-for-6 lifetime with the bases loaded with 11 RBI.

“That was nice, that was really nice to see,” said Indians manager Terry Francona afterward.

Following Moroff, Roberto Perez and Greg Allen each came to the plate with the bases loaded. They worked the count for a walk, scoring the fourth and fifth runs of the night. The Indians eventually won the game 5-3.

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Earlier in the inning, Bauers doubled with one out. Leonys Martin advanced to third base and it set the stage for the big at-bats that followed. Despite having a .183 average against lefties, Francona left Bauers in against Chicago lefty Jace Fry.

“Sometimes I think you make your move too quick as a manager, and then when the time comes for a chance to maybe put you ahead, you’re out of your moves,” Francona said. “Somebody was going to have to face a lefty, and I just thought that if we could get to a point, then all of a sudden, we have the split advantage because we have the switch-hitter on the bench.”

The Indians will play one more game against Chicago before hosting the Toronto Blue Jays.

Article by Bill Piersa

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