Jason Kipnis’ maiden hit helps Cleveland Indians defeat Los Angeles Angels 3-2 – MLB Update
A first hit by Rookie Jason Kipnis prove a healthy shot for the Cleveland Indians in the series opener, as they overpowered their rivals Los Angeles Angels 3-2 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio on Monday, July 25 to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The 24-year-old batter, who was adopted from Arizona State College to play at the Majors, entered the field for his fifth at-bat in the bottom of the ninth inning with two bases loaded and two outs to blister a walk off hit. The Indians were trailing 2-1
before the start of the ninth inning but Trevor Hafner tied it with RBI single and then Kipnis touched his maiden hit in the fifth at-bat of his Major League Baseball game.
No matter how many home-runs and hits he scores in the MLB, but he will always remember his first hit. He stroked a 1-0 pitch of Hisanori Takahashi in the middle of the first and second base to write the Indians eleventh last at-bat win at home.
"That was so cool," Kipnis said. "I actually thought, 'Why not now? I might as well do it. I am very appreciative of that. I'm going to keep this one a long time."
The Cleveland Indians’ manager Manny Acta was truly impresses the way right-hand slugger opened his MLB account. He also was pleased to nip the little losing streak.
"This is a good way to break a little losing streak," Acta said. "We showed a lot of heart and he couldn't pick a better spot for his first hit in the big leagues."
Before the ninth, the Angels were dominating the game in a perfect command, as they did not allow the Indians to make another run after scoring a single in the bottom of the first inning. The Angels’ starter, Dan Haren, yielded one run, three hits and two
walks along with a stunning 10 strike-outs but still remained winless.
"I struggled a little bit in the first inning," Haren said. "I didn't really have too many base runners after that. In a 1-0 game you have to be more careful."
Scott Downs tossed three pitches to hold his 18th game but Jordan Walden gave away the game losing two runs on two hits on his 19 pitches.
The Indians’ pitchers, in contrast managed to do a little better than their rivals did. Starter Fausto Carmona scattered four no-score hits, permitted three walks and struck-out three batters over six innings. Joe Smith and closer Tony Sipp each tossed scoreless
single innings.
Vinnie Pestano allowed the only home-run off the Angels’ Bobby Abreu in the top of the eighth inning. However, he managed to hold his fourth game of the season.
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