Ryan Doumit’s mammoth two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning tied the game, 4-4, but Matt Capps gave up a run in the ninth and the Indians beat the Twins, 5-4 at Target Field.
Capps was one out away from pitching a scoreless ninth but he threw a wild pitch to allow the go-ahead run to move into scoring position. Shin Soo Choo’s RBI single proved to be the game-winner.
Cleveland starter Jeanmar Gomez allowed one run on three hits in seven innings of work.
Pavano pitched six innings before being replaced by Francisco Liriano. Pavano threw just 72 pitches in his first start since being diagnosed with inflammation in his right shoulder. For Liriano, it was his first appearance of the season out of the bullpen. He pitched two scoreless innings, but once again struggled to throw strikes. He retired the first five hitters he faced before walking three in a row in the eighth inning.
After the third walk, pitching coach Rick Anderson visited Liriano on the mound. The lefty proceeded to strike the next batter out on three pitches.
