TRIBE WINS HUM-DINGER

Kearns’ homer lifts Indians, spoils Jeter’s return

Associated Press

cleveland

In 10 years, Austin Kearns has just two career hits against A.J. Burnett.

He’s made them both count.

Kearns hit his first homer in 105 at-bats this season, a stunning three-run shot in the seventh inning off Burnett, sending the Cleveland Indians to a 6-3 win and spoiling All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter’s return to the Yankees’ lineup Monday night.

With two on and the Indians trailing 2-1, Kearns, who has been in a slump all season, hit a 1-0 pitch from Burnett (8-7) the opposite way to right for his first homer since Aug. 22, when he wore Yankee pinstripes. Kearns came up batting only .192 with two RBIs in a part-time role.

He was only 1 of 11 against Burnett — a grand slam as a rookie in 2002 for Cincinnati.

“It’s a funny game,” Kearns said.

Jeter was back in his familiar spot at shortstop and again atop the batting order for the first time since June 13, when he went on the disabled list with a calf injury. New York’s captain went 0 for 4 and remained six shy of becoming the first Yankees player to reach 3,000 hits.

“I felt fine, no problems, no issues,” Jeter said. “I was nervous at the beginning, almost like it was opening day again. It was just nerves. Three weeks is definitely a long time to be out. I felt better as the game went on.”

Josh Tomlin (10-4), who carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, allowed two runs and three hits and improved to 7-1 at home this season. The Indians’ right-hander also became the first pitcher since 1919 to go at least five innings in each of his first 29 career appearances.

“He was able to hold down that amazing lineup,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He doesn’t back down from anybody.”

Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer in the eighth for Cleveland, finally back home after a nine-game interleague trip.

Chris Perez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his 20th save in 21 tries as the Indians improved to 25-14 at Progressive Field, which was sold out for the third time in 2011.

Curtis Granderson hit his 23rd homer for the Yankees, who have lost two straight after a seven-game winning streak.