This was a wild early season game between division rivals, with the fifth through seventh innings producing thirteen of the eighteen runs scored in the games, Atlanta’s four-run sixth being decisive. The highlight of that inning is probably 45 year old Julio Franco’s bases loaded pinch-hit walk against 42 year old John Franco. A few offensive performances that stood out were Ty Wigginton (three hits, four RBI, one HR), Marcus Giles (four singles), and Johnny Estrada (three hits, four RBI).
The Royals scored three runs, with the go ahead run coming on a little league home run by Michael Tucker in the third, scoring on an Omar Vizquel throwing error after he’d tripled to center. Despite twelve hits (including three each from Brent Mayne and Carlos Febles at the bottom of the lineup), Kansas City managed just three runs, with two runners cut down at the plate.
The Indians battered Kyle Lohse for eight runs in 3 1/3 innings, punctuated by a two-run homer by Jim Thome and a three-run homer by Omar Vizquel. Bartolo Colon wasn’t particularly sharp, allowing 4 runs over 5 2/3 and striking out just two Twins. When the starters exited, the scoring was done; the pens combined for 8 1/3 scoreless innings.
One of those relievers, Jack Cressand, was tossed along with his manager Ron Gardenhire for intentionally hitting Ricky Gutierrez leading off the fifth. These division rivals did not have a friendly relationship in 2002 – see #215 for the entertaining culmination.
Cleveland jumped on Jeff Weaver with a six-run first, despite a sac bunt from Robbie Alomar; Russell Branyan’s three-run blast to left was the big blow. Rookie CC Sabathia retired the first ten Detroit batters before allowing a fourth inning rally cashed in by Deivi Cruz’ bases clearing double. Alomar drove in two in the sixth, but in the bottom of the frame, Sabathia was pulled after allowing a single to Bobby Higginson at 88 pitches, and Justin Speier coughed up his own bases clearing double to pinch-hitter Robert Fick. Ricardo Rincon came in to fan Roger Cedeno, and Steve Karsay tossed two perfect innings of relief.
Wil Cordero’s triple was followed by Brayan’s third hit and fourth RBI of the night to pad the Tribe lead to 9-7, but Bob Wickman ran into trouble into the ninth, allowing a leadoff homer to pinch-hitter Jose Macias and a single before Cedno helped out popping up a sacrifice attempt. After Wickman plunked Damion Easley, Paul Shuey was summoned, fanning Higginson and Tony Clark to earn the bailout save.
