Indians Win In Extra Innings

Francisco Lindor is only batting.214 so far this season against right-handed pitching, but his hits have been big ones as he's already smacked two home runs and driven in six RBI against righties this season.

The Cleveland Indians will look to build some momentum after their extra innings win over the White Sox in game 1. Cleveland will send right-hander Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 3.18 ERA), to the mound, while the White Sox starter will be James Shields (1-0, 1.69). Lindor was running on the pitch and scored easily while Brantley danced around second base before being mobbed by his teammates.

The water was as sweet as any champagne.

The Chicago White Sox had an up-and-down homestand to start their 2017 season, as they went 2-3 against two Central Division foes, and now they'll hit the road for their first games away from the Windy City.

Brantley could only watch and cheer for his teammates last October during their postseason run after undergoing two surgeries on his right shoulder.

Michael Brantley began 2016 on the disabled list and battled shoulder problems all season while playing in only 11 games, but barring something unexpected, will be in his familiar spot in left field. Frazier doubled and homered in his first two at-bats against Carrasco. "I was so happy for him".

It was the dramatic ending the Indians didn't get in their last home game, a 10-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs in Game 7 of the World Series. Cleveland led the majors with 11 walk-off wins last season. He was the White Sox bench coach a year ago, when the Indians won the Central Division, finishing 16 1/2 games ahead of the fourth-place Sox.

Rookie Yandy Diaz should have been given a save after making a diving catch of Tyler Saladino's line drive in the eighth with the game tied and runners at second and third. He did give up a home run, but he was also able to induce 11 ground balls in a 6-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins.

The Indians carry a 3-3 record into the first home game of 2017.

The slugger, who signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Indians in January, grounded into inning-ending double plays in the sixth and eighth. "It'll be the last time that we talk about past year, but I want our guys to enjoy it".

"You think to yourself, 'Why not us?"

Todd Frazier finally found his swing for the White Sox. New White Sox manager Rick Renteria said he is looking forward to facing the Indians. "I know internally he beats himself up a little bit, but he'll be fine".

Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco also pitched well, holding the White Sox to one run on four hits through seven innings.

Lindor received the loudest ovation of any Cleveland player during pregame ceremonies, when an AL title flag was hoisted and the club's first pennant since 1997 was unveiled.

The Indians will put a lineup on the field different from the one that faced the Red Sox on opening day last season. The Indians have a healthy mix of youth and experience, as they return the core of last year's team. Though they were unsuccessful in claiming the World Series crown, there is plenty of reason to believe that the Tribe can repeat last season's success, and perhaps improve on it.