Indians find way to steal win vs. Tigers

Indians find way to steal win vs. Tigers
Indians find way to steal win vs. Tigers

Leonys Martin stole home, Shane Bieber struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings and the Cleveland Indians defeated the host Detroit Tigers 4-2 on Saturday.

Bieber (6-2), who retired the first 12 batters he faced, allowed two runs on four hits. Brad Hand recorded his 20th save and Jordan Luplow had an RBI double for Cleveland. Jake Bauers, who hit for the cycle on Friday, was 0-for-4.

Martin's bold decision in the eighth inning was the Indians' first straight steal of home plate since Grady Sizemore on Aug. 26, 2005.

Miguel Cabrera had three hits for the Tigers, who have lost 10 of their last 13 games.

Detroit starter Gregory Soto, called up from the minors after Friday's game, pitched four scoreless innings despite allowing six baserunners.

Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire was ejected during the sixth inning for arguing balls and strikes.

The game was scoreless until the fifth.

The Indians broke through with three runs against reliever Nick Ramirez (3-1). Oscar Mercado reached on a broken-bat single that glanced off Ramirez's glove. Carlos Santana followed with a single.

Luplow then hit a high fly ball that right fielder Nicholas Castellanos misplayed. Luplow was credited with a double as Mercado scored. Jose Ramirez knocked in the second run with a sacrifice fly. One out later, Kevin Plawecki reached on an infield single as Luplow scored.

Cabrera became the Tigers' first baserunner when he singled to lead off the fifth. He never advanced as Bieber set down the next three batters, two on swinging strikes.

The Tigers moved within a run in the seventh. Christin Stewart walked and Castellanos and Cabrera followed with singles. Brandon Dixon brought in two runs with a single but Bieber then slammed the door. He struck out Harold Castro and got Ronny Rodriguez to bounce into a double play.

Martin's steal gave Cleveland some breathing room. He opened the eighth against Victor Alcantara with a double and advanced to third on a flyout. With two down and Santana at the plate, Martin noticed Alcantara wasn't keeping tabs on him and broke for the plate. He easily scored to make it 4-2.

--Field Level Media

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