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The Indians hit their first walk-off inside-the-park home run in 100 years
Saturday’s Say Hey includes a historic finish to the Indians-Blue Jays game, Xander Bogaerts’ second-half slump, and the triumphant return of Tom Wilhelmsen.
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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There's no doubt that the Indians have earned their spot atop the AL Central division, but sometimes it takes a breathtaking play to remind us just how good they are. On Friday night, that reminder was signed, sealed, and delivered by Tyler Naquin, who went back-to-back with José Ramirez on a walk-off inside-the-park home run. Here's how it went down: Naquin airmailed the ball to right field, where it missed both the wall and Michael Saunders' glove, bounced into center field, was intercepted by Melvin Upton Jr., and arrived at home plate just seconds after Naquin plated the winning run. Not only was it one of the more bizarre endings to an Indians game this season, but it marked just the second walk-off inside-the-park home run in franchise history.
While the Indians may not possess the almost superhuman double-digit division lead of, say, the Chicago Cubs, they’ve established themselves as solid contenders heading into the final month of the regular season. With Corey Kluber at the helm, their starting rotation ranks sixth in ERA (3.96) and fWAR (10.4) among major league teams, backed by an offense that sits fourth-best in both run production, with 608 runs on the year, and stolen bases, with 102. Friday night was no exception. Trevor Bauer lasted eight innings on five hits, two runs, and 13 strikeouts, and although the final score could not be described as a blowout by any stretch of the imagination, the Indians managed enough timely hits to pull off their 70th win of 2016.
Heading into September, it isn’t difficult to envision the Indians running away with the AL Central title. With the Tigers a comfortable seven games behind first place, the only thing that appears to threaten Cleveland’s stability is their lack of depth, both on the mound and at the plate. Matt R. Lyons has an idea of the players who will receive call-ups when rosters expand in two weeks, but they aren’t the flashy top prospects or reliable veteran presence that can see a club through an extended postseason run. If anything, Terry Francona should be able to utilize his minor league relief in much the same way he’s approached the bullpen: as short-term replacements designed to maximize each player’s potential. Then again, perhaps the club should just let Jose Ramirez and Tyler Naquin handle the ninth inning from now on. It’s worked out well for them so far.
- Both Ryan Howard and Ryan Zimmerman were cleared of all outstanding PED allegations in a statement issued by MLB on Friday.
- The Orioles might not make Matt Wieters another qualifying offer this year, and that’s not a bad thing.
- ‘Tis the season of smaller, less flashy trades, and the Royals are on the hunt for some pitching depth.
- Is it prudent to send your best starting pitcher to the mound during the wild card game?
- Carlos Gomez is on the market again, and the Giants might just have enough room for a fifth outfielder.
- Speaking of veteran outfielders with few options and limited playing time, it’s probably time for the Yankees to cut ties with Brett Gardner.
- Pitchers are finally adjusting to Boston wunderkind Xander Bogaerts, but he’ll need to make some adjustments of his own if he wants to finish the season strong.
- This is the story of a Bartender, a 10.55 ERA, and a comeback both statistically and emotionally satisfying. This is the story of Tom Wilhelmsen.
- Does the A’s front office deserve more time to figure out their rebuilding strategy, or is it time for another overhaul?
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