Tribe Outslugs Reds in Battle of Ohio 10-9

(Image credit: MGN)

CLEVELAND — Monday night’s battle for Ohio was a shootout between the Reds and the Indians, but the Indians would not be outdone in the 10 to 9 victory.

The Indians found all of the sweet spots against Cincinnati starter Mat Latos. Latos gave up 8 hits, 7 earned runs and 3 home runs in 4 innings. Shin-Soo Choo was the first to tee off of Latos in the first inning. Along with his homer, Choo went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall continues to improve since rejoining the lineup and Monday he had a field day going 3 for 4 with 2 runs, 3 RBI and a home run in the second inning.

Cleveland starter Derek Lowe couldn’t quite take advantage of Latos’ bad start. Lowe went five innings giving up 11 hits and 7 runs. The Indians defense did not exactly help his case. Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips hit a double into left field, outfielder Johnny Damon juggled the ball and it got away from him. Brandon Phillips rounded third to score and Damon recorded the only error of the night.

The pesky Reds would not go away, but the Indians relievers would get the job done. Joe Smith pitched one and two thirds innings giving up just one run. Vinnie Pestano pitched a perfect one and one third, which left the ninth to closer Chris Perez who gave the fans something to sweat about. Perez gave up 2 hits and a run to cut the Tribe’s lead to one run, but a strikeout to Ryan Ludwick gave Perez his 22nd save of the season.

The interleague series continues Tuesday night at 7:05 at Progressive Field. Josh Tomlin (3-4) will get another start for the Indians and Mike Leake (2-5) will start for Cincinnati.

Intern Gabriel Kramer assisted in this report.