Milone returns from DL to help Twins beat Indians 4-1
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Tommy Milone returned from the disabled list and pitched five innings, Kurt Suzuki had two key RBIs and the Minnesota Twins beat Carlos Carrasco and the Cleveland Indians 4-1 on Sunday afternoon.
Trevor Plouffe hit his 17th home run and four Twins relievers held Cleveland scoreless over the final four innings, capped by Glen Perkins working the ninth for his 31st save.
The Twins took a 2-1 lead after Suzuki lined a single to center field that scored Miguel Sano and Eduardo Nunez in the second inning.
That was all the scoring Minnesota could muster against Carrasco (11-9), who struck out seven in seven innings.
Milone (6-3), making his first start since coming off the DL with a left elbow strain, was limited to 76 pitches. He allowed one run on three hits with three strikeouts to help the Twins win just their third series since the All-Star break.
Carrasco has allowed just five runs in his last four starts, lowering his ERA from 4.26 to 3.63. But the Indians have provided the righty with just six runs of support during the dominant run.
The Twins added two insurance runs in the eighth, one on Plouffe's homer and another when Eddie Rosario tripled and scored on Nunez's bunt single.
Milone walked Francisco Lindor to load the bases with two outs in the fifth, but got Yan Gomes to chase a breaking ball in the dirt and strike out to end the inning.
TRAINER'S ROOM
TWINS: RHP Phil Hughes was "feeling a little better" after getting a midweek cortisone shot in his lower left back, according to manager Paul Molitor. . GM Terry Ryan said RHP Ricky Nolasco has yet to throw off a mound as he tries to come back from a right ankle injury.
INDIANS: Manager Terry Francona said INF Jason Kipnis will not go on a rehab assignment and could be activated from the DL on Monday from right shoulder inflammation. . All Star OF Michael Brantley (left shoulder) continues to take batting practice and could be available to DH on Monday.
