CLEVELAND – With a gutsy trade, the Cleveland Indians grabbed an ace at the trading deadline.
On Wednesday night, he was dealing.
Ubaldo Jimenez showed why the Indians bargained their future and traded for him, winning his home debut and rookie Jason Kipnis went 5-for-5 with four runs and three RBIs as the Indians pulled within two games of Detroit in the AL Central by beating the Tigers 10-3.
“That was exactly what we needed, especially after our bullpen went 12 innings,” said Indians manager Manny Acta, who had to use eight pitchers in a 14-inning marathon win in Tuesday’s series opener. “I feel like Ubaldo could have thrown a shutout. He was fantastic.”
With their 13th straight win at Progressive Field over Detroit, the Indians now have a chance to sweep the Tigers for the second time this year. That is, if they can beat Justin Verlander on Thursday.
Jimenez (1-0), the most coveted pitcher before the July 31 deadline, allowed three runs and six hits in eight power-packed innings. He struck out six, walked one and fed off a Cleveland crowd that hung on every pitch like it was October.
“It was special being my first start here,” said Jimenez, flashing a high-beamed smile.
Thrust
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