(Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH -- Indians' starter Adam Plutko came into today's game on a set pitch count of around 80 pitches. Plutko made quick work of the Orioles, going a full 6.0 innings, giving up 1 hit and 1 run, striking out 4 batters. The tribe righty ended the game with 83 pitches, as the tribe bullpen followed with 3 hitless innings. After cruising to a 4-1 lead, the Indians move to 24-20 on the year.
Trey Mancini put the Orioles on top with their only hit of the game, launching a solo homer to left field in the 4th inning. Indians outfielder Jordan Luplow answered back with a home run of his own in the bottom half of the fourth inning, driving home Carlos Santana on a 2-run shot to the bleachers in left field. Oscar Mercado earned his first base hit of his young career on a double to left center field. Mercado was brought home by a Francisco Lindor RBI single to left field, putting the tribe up 3-1. Carlos Santana added a little more cushion to the tribe lead with a solo home run to straight-away center field.
Adam Plutko earned his first win of the season, moving him to 1-0 on the season. Brad Hand earned his 12th save of the year, and is a perfect 12-12 in save opportunities. John Means was hit with the loss, moving him to 5-4.
The Cleveland Indians will look to avoid the 4-game series split on sunday afternoon. Baltimore will give the ball to Yefry Ramirez, as he will be squaring off against Shane Bieber. First pitch is set for 1:10 PM ET at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio.