It's only May, but Chris Perez and the Indians want some recognition. They made a statement on Tuesday night, beating the consensus favorite to win the Central Division, 5-3, and picking up another game in the standings.
Ubaldo Jimenez shook off a second inning three-run home run by Alex Avila to toss a quality start and pick up the win despite six walks.
The Indians scored a run in the first, third, and fifth, and two in the sixth, all off Rick Porcello. Travis Hafner knocked in two runs on a single and a sac fly. Shin-Soo Choo scored twice and had two hits in the leadoff spot. Casey Kotchman scored a run and batted in another to go along with his game-high three hits.
Chris Perez had a rocky ninth inning, but struck out Miguel Cabrera looking and induced Prince Fielder to hit into a game-ending fielder's choice to earn his 14th straight save.
The series continues Wednesday night with first pitch slated for 7:05 p.m. ET.
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