Game 27: Indians 8, White Sox 6

Zach McAllister got his first major-league win, Nick Hagadone got his first major-league save, and Travis Hafner had a triple. Other than that, it was a typical Tribe victory.

The Indians went into the day with several key relievers out because of recent usage, so if Zach McAllister had a short outing, the Indians would not only be in trouble for Game 1, but for Game 2 as well. Not only did McAllister give the Indians six innings, but set the Indians up to win the game.

Philip Humber, who had struggled in his two starts since his perfect game, was again easy to hit. The Indians clobbered him for 8 runs in 2.1 innings, with none of those hits a cheapie. Travis Hafner hit a home run in the bottom of the second to get things going; before the inning was over, the Indians had scored 3 runs on 5 hits. They kept the pressure on in the third inning, scoring three more runs off Humber before he was pulled.

The Indians led 8-2 after three, but with many of the key relievers unable to go today, that lead was not a sure thing. McAllister helped immensely by getting the game to the sixth inning. The Indians were up four, so there was some margin for error, and they'd need that margin before the game was over. Jairo Asencio looked as though any fears of a bullpen meltdown were unfounded, as he got through both the seventh and eighth with little problem. But when the ninth rolled around, he suddenly lost his command, and the bullpen had to get ready in a hurry. After Asencio gave up a two-run single to Alexei Ramirez, Manny Acta pulled Asencio and called on Nick Hagadone to finish the game. This was Hagadone's first major-league save attempt, and it wasn't an easy one, as the tying run was at the plate with nobody out. But he got two quick outs, and after walking Alejandro de Aza, struck out Brett Lillibridge to end the game, leaving Adam Dunn in the on-deck circle.

Source: FanGraphs