Alen Hanson returned from the disabled list in dramatic fashion, and after receiving his Player of the Month award during a ceremony prior to the game, hit an inside-the-park homer as part of a 3-for-4 effort that led the Indians (48-32) to a 2-1, series-clinching win over the Clippers (42-38) on Wednesday afternoon at Victory Field.
Hanson tied the game when he reached in his first at-bat by singling, stealing second base and scoring on a groundout.
He hit the game-winner in his second trip to the plate by depositing a shot off the right-center field wall that kicked away from two Columbus outfielders. As center fielder Tyler Holt corralled the loose ball and sent a throw to the plate, Hanson raced home to slide safely under the tag and complete the Tribe’s first inside-the-park home run since Alex Presley in 2011.
Hanson finished 3-for-4 with two runs, one RBI and two stolen bases.
Starter Radhames Liz (1-1) paced his first Indians win with seven strikeouts over five innings. He allowed one run before giving way to a scoreless effort from four relievers, including Blake Wood earning his league-best 20th save.
SOURCE: Indianapolis Indians • PHOTOS: Adam Pintar & Brian Groce