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Feels Like ’95: Cleveland’s Comeback Kids Beat Seattle Mariners
The 1995 baseball season was a magical time at Jacobs Field.
The Cleveland Indians boasted a lineup full of all-time greats, with Dennis Martinez and Orel Hershiser leading the starting rotation.
Sluggers like Jim Thome, Eddie Murray, Carlos Baerga, and Albert Belle powered the offense, with the incomparable Kenny Lofton as the leadoff hitter.
It’s no wonder that this team won the American League pennant.
The Cleveland Guardians celebrated the 30th anniversary of the ’95 Tribe last night at Progressive Field. Mike Hargrove, manager of the pennant winners, delivered the lineup card before the game.
The night ended with fireworks after the Guardians rallied from a 4-0 deficit to defeat the Mariners 5-4.
ROUGH START
Seattle came to town with its own Murderer’s Row lineup of Julio Rodriguez, Eugenio Suarez, old friend Josh Naylor, and MLB home run leader “The Big Dumper” Cal Raleigh.
The Mariners jumped on Cleveland starter Logan Allen with a four-run outburst in the first inning.
Rodriguez and Suarez hit two-run singles before Jorge Polanco blasted a two-run homer.
Cleveland couldn’t get any offense going against Seattle starter George Kirby, but Allen settled down and kept the Mariners from doing any more damage.
THE COMEBACK
Kyle Manzardo broke through for the Guardians in the sixth inning with a solo homer, his 22nd of the season.
Nolan Jones added a solo shot in the seventh, which is No. 5 for him on the season. Playing right field, Jones also gunned down Randy Arozarena at third base with a perfect throw.
Cleveland cut the lead to 4-3 in the eighth inning. Angel Martinez hit an infield single to score Jose Ramirez, who is now the all-time hit leader at Progressive Field with 826. He had been tied with Omar Vizquel.
Seattle brought in All-Star closer Andres Munoz for the ninth, but Cleveland tied the game when Jones scored on a throwing error by Arozarena in left field.
Steven Kwan delivered the game winner with a sacrifice fly. Rocchio dove headfirst into home plate, and it was time to party like it’s 1995.
KEEP IT ROLLIN’
Don’t look now, but the Guardians have won three in a row. They trail the Mariners by four games for the final playoff spot.
Tonight’s game is one of three that will air on Fox at 7:15 Eastern, so check your local listings.
Gavin Williams (8-5, 3.36 ERA) will start for Cleveland against Logan Gilbert (4-5, 3.69) for Seattle.
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