The Cleveland Indians played their home opener at Progressive Field on April 11. The first pitch was at 4:10 p.m. and after ten innings, the game came to an end shortly before 8 p.m. The city was excited to have their Tribe back home, and fans came out to the ballpark and the surrounding areas to watch the boys of summer on their home field.
Cleveland was so close to winning the World Series last season. It was their first appearance in the big game since 1997 and they were up 3 games to 1 against the Cubs. Unfortunately for Tribe fans, Chicago rallied and won it all.
But like they say in Cleveland, there is always next year.
Welcome home, Tribe
Coming off of a World Series run, the Cleveland Indians were welcomed home to Progressive Field with a sold-out crowd of 35,002 fans. This was the 25th consecutive sell-out for a home opener in Cleveland. Before the game started, the Indians handed out the American League championship rings and raised the 2016 American League pennant. It was a big day for Cleveland Indians fans and players, even before the first pitch was thrown.
The afternoon ballgame started in favor of The Tribe after Francisco Lindor hit a solo home run in the first inning. The Indians kept the one run lead up until the fifth when Todd Frazier hit one out of the park for the White Sox and tied the game 1-1.
Walk-off win thanks to Michael Brantley
With a 3-2 count and two outs in the bottom of the tenth, Michael Brantley ripped one down the left field line to bring home Francisco Lindor. The walk-off win put an end to the Cleveland Indians' three game losing streak. Fans are excited to have Brantley back in the lineup. The 29-year-old outfielder had two surgeries on his right shoulder last season and was only able to play 11 games.
The man they call Dr. Smooth had to sit back and watch while his teammates made an amazing postseason run.
Just last month, people were questioning whether or not Brantley would be well enough to play at the start of this season. It seems like he is more than well enough, as his hot bat is keeping the Tribe moving forward. Fans are excited to have him back, and he seems just as excited to be back.
After today's game, the Tribe is 4-3 and Chicago is 2-4. Cleveland and Chicago will play two more at Progressive Field on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13. Both games are set to begin at 6:10 p.m. After that, the Detroit Tigers will visit Cleveland for three games, then the Tribe is back on the road to play in Minnesota.
