June 28, 2016 – Lindor Steals Home Against the Braves

The 2016 Indians were 16 games over .500 and visiting the last place Braves for an interleague matchup. Corey Kluber was matched up with Matt Wisler.

Wisler struck out Carlos Santana to start the game, but then gave up consecutive singles to Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor. Jose Ramirez scored Kipnis with a single into right field, and Lindor advanced to third.

With Lonny Chisenhall at the plate, Jose Ramirez broke to steal second. Atlanta catcher AJ Peirzinki’s throw was off the mark. When it was bobbled by shortstop Eric Aybar, Lindor broke for home. Both runners were safe and the Indians ended the frame up 2-0.

Corey Kluber retired the first 15 Atlanta batters in order and was untouched until he gave up a single to Eric Aybar in the bottom of the sixth, followed by another single by Emilio Bonifacio. Aybar and Bonifacio would eventually come around to score on a RBI single. Ender Inciarte was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double and ended the inning with the score tied 2-2.

Kluber mowed through the Braves lineup once again, eventually pitching 8 innings, giving up three hits, one walk, and recording seven strikeouts. Michael Martinez pinch hit for Kluber in the top of the ninth. The Braves had a wild inning, giving up three runs on two hits, two walks, an error and a wild pitch.

Indians closer Cody Allen came in to hold the 5-2 lead. Despite a solo home run by Jace Peterson, Allen was able to record the save and preserve the Tribe’s winning streak (this was win number 11 out of an eventual 14 from June 17 to July 1st.)

Baseball Reference Box Score