Grossman’s 2-RBI single gives Twins 4-3 win over Indians
Published 7:55 am Thursday, August 30, 2018
CLEVELAND — Robbie Grossman delivered a two-out, two-run single off struggling Cleveland closer Cody Allen in the seventh inning to give the Minnesota Twins a 4-3 over the Indians on Wednesday night.
Down 3-2, the Twins scored twice in the seventh off Allen (4-6), the Indians’ career saves leader who has not been sharp of late and could lose his job to Brad Hand.
Minnesota’s Joe Mauer became the third player in club history to score 1,000 career runs. Mauer doubled and scored on Eddie Rosario’s double in the fifth to join Hall of Famers Kirby Puckett (1,071) and Harmon Killebrew (1,047).
Twins rookie Willians Astudillo hit his first career homer in the third.
Allen came in earlier than usual to protect a one-run lead and got two quick outs before walking Logan Forsythe. Eddie Rosario singled and Allen gave up a four-pitch walk to Miguel Sano, drawing boos from Indians fans before Grossman ripped his two-run single through the right side.
In his last five appearances, Allen has allowed six runs in four innings. Last Friday, he blew a save and the game by giving up consecutive homers in the ninth inning at Kansas City.
Trevor May (3-0) picked up the win and Trevor Hildenberger worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save.
Cleveland is 39-20 against AL Central teams, but just 9-9 against the second-place Twins.