Powered by a crucial bounce-back start from right-hander Zach McAllister, the Cleveland Indians took command of their four-game series with Boston on Saturday night with a 5-2 victory.
McAllister, who gave up nine runs (two earned) in his previous start versus the Twins, put forth a career effort on Saturday to earn a much-needed victory. The 24-year-old yielded only three hits with no walks to Red Sox batters over eight innings, and was beaten solely by an Adrian Gonzalez double in the fourth inning that plated two Boston runners.
Brent Lillibridge, the unquestioned offensive catalyst in the game, finished 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI. The defensive-oriented infielder also broke the scoring in the third inning with a solo home run, representing his first of the season and 16th of his career.
Looking to wrap up the series, the Indians will send 26-year-old rookie Corey Kluber to the mound to face struggling Boston pitcher Jon Lester in Sunday's finale.
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