Ramirez's 2-run homer in 8th lifts Indians past Blue Jays
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Jose Ramirez hit a two-run homer off Brett Cecil in the eighth inning and the Cleveland Indians rallied past the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 Sunday to win the series between teams that began the game as AL division leaders.
The Indians took two of three, with each game decided by one run.
Ahead 2-1, Toronto threatened to break open the game in the seventh. But Mike Clevinger (2-1) relieved Corey Kluber and struck out major league RBIs leader Edwin Encarnacion to leave the bases loaded.
Ramirez connected after Francisco Lindor's two-out single, sending a drive onto the home run porch in left field. Cecil (1-7) replaced starter Marcus Stroman with one out in the eighth.
Cody Allen pitched the ninth for his 24th save in 27 chances. He struck out Ryan Goins and Devon Travis before walking Josh Donaldson and Encarnacion. Russell Martin lined out to right to end it.
Kluber allowed two runs, six hits and four walks in 6 2/3 innings.
Melvin Upton Jr. led off the third with his third home run for Toronto since being acquired from San Diego at the trade deadline. Donaldson, returning to the lineup after missing two games with a sprained thumb, added a two-out RBI single.
Lindor singled in a run in the sixth.
The series had a playoff atmosphere with each game going down to the final at-bat. Tyler Naquin's game-ending, inside-the-park home run gave Cleveland a 3-2 victory Friday and the Blue Jays won 6-5 Saturday.
MASS CONFUSION
Encarnacion was granted time by plate umpire Ramon De Jesus while batting in the seventh. Clevinger stepped off the rubber and was called for a balk after time was given, and Goins trotted home from third. After discussions involving umpires, both managers and several players, Goins was sent back to third and Clevinger struck out Encarnacion on the next pitch.
