Lindor's Heroics in the 9th Lifts Indians to 5-2 Win Over the Twins; Three Takeaways

CLEVELAND - Despite blowing a 2-1 lead in the 9th, the Indians sent their fans home happy on Wednesday, as Francisco Lindor's walk-off three-run blast in the

CLEVELAND - Despite blowing a 2-1 lead in the 9th, the Indians sent their fans home happy on Wednesday, as Francisco Lindor's walk-off three-run blast in the bottom of the 9th was enough in the Tribe's 5-2 win over the Twins.

The Indians improve to 63-50 on the season, 10 games up now on the 53-60 Twins.

Thursday the Indians will look to take three of four against the Twins with a 1:10pm first pitch as Corey Kluber will go for the Tribe.

For Lindor, it was his third career walk-off, the last coming July 26th, 2016 against the Washington Nationals.

With the win the Indians magic number to clinch the division and postseason is 40 games.

Here are three takeaways from tonight’s ballgame:

1. Clevinger a Little Better Than Odorizzi

The two right-handed pitchers were outstanding Wednesday night. Cevinger did just enough to the Twins starer, Jake Odorizzi , to help the Tribe eventuall get the 5-2 win.

Mike Clevinger: 7 innings, 5 hits, 1 run, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, 3.38 ERA

Jake Odorizzi: 4.2 innings, 4 hits, 2 runs, 1 earned, 2 walks, 4.5 ERA

2. Indians Offense Takes Advantage of the Twins Defensive Mistakes

The Indians took advantage of three errors from the Minnesota Twins' defense in the win.

Minnesota centerfielder Jake Cave struggled in the outfield, as he had two misplays that led to the Indians taking an early 1-0 lead.

In the fourth inning the Twins second baseman Logan Forsythe struggled to corral a ground ball. The Twins failed to turn a routine double-play that led to Michael Brantley getting an RBI ground out to give the Indians the go ahead score of 2-1.

3. The Indians Continue to Try and Find a Consistent Closer

Since the Indians acquired LHP Brad Hand, they have been switching Hand and RHP Cody Allen in the closers role.

Wednesday Allen blew his 22nd save opportunity away. He has three blown saves on the season. He gave up a lead-off home run in the ninth to third baseman Miguel Sano.

Allen allowed a single and wild pitch, but was good enough to get out of the jam, and ended up with the win when Lindor won the game.