Kipnis’ three-run homer carries Indians

Jason Kipnis kept watching and hoping.

Kipnis’ high drive barely cleared the right field wall for a three-run homer that broke a sixth-inning tie and sent the Indians over the Twins, 5-3, on Aug. 30.

Usually, when it’s close, Kipnis said he tries to study “the outfielder and see how big his eyes are getting or if he’s timing up a jump. Once the fans’ arms go up, mine goes up with them.”

Kipnis, who has struggled offensively most of the season, lofted a 2-2 pitch from reliever Alan Busenitz that was just out of the reach of leaping Max Kepler. The homer came two batters after Yonder Alonso’s tying single.

The AL Central-leading Indians opened a 14-game margin over second-place Minnesota. Cleveland is 31-11 against division opponents, and needed this win to beat the Twins 10-9 in the season series.

Mike Clevinger (10-7) allowed two unearned runs in 6 2/3 innings. The righthander struck out nine and gave up four hits.

Brad Hand, the Indians’ third reliever, allowed a leadoff homer to Miguel Sano in the ninth. Mitch Garver drew a one-out walk, but Hand struck out Jake Cave and Tyler Austin for his 30th save overall, and sixth since being acquired from San Diego at the trade deadline.

Cleveland reliever Cody Allen, who allowed two runs in the seventh inning and was the losing pitcher Wednesday, was booed when he entered the game with one out in the eighth.

The frequent closer walked Logan Forsythe, but retired Robbie Grossman on a flyball, causing some fans to rise to their feet and begin cheering. Forsythe was thrown out trying to advance on a pitch in the dirt.

Jake Odorizzi (5-9) was charged with three runs in 5 1/3 innings. He was pulled following one-out walks to Jose Ramirez and Edwin Encarnacion.

“I assumed I was staying in the game,” Odorizzi said. “I thought I had more in me, but that wasn’t the case. I thought I had a pretty good game going. You’re one pitch away from getting out of the inning.”

Ehre Adrianza hit a two-run homer in the fifth that gave Minnesota a 2-1 lead. The drive came after Ramirez misplayed a routine grounder to third base.

Encarnacion’s RBI single put Cleveland ahead in the fourth.