Tribe’s Lillibridge crosses ex-mates

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Brent Lillibridge homered, drove in two runs and scored on a squeeze bunt to back Zack McAllister’s strong pitching as the Cleveland Indians beat the Boston Red Sox,5-2, on Saturday night.

Lillibridge, acquired on July 24 from Boston, tied a career high with three hits. He hit his first homer in nearly a year and had an RBI single off Franklin Morales (3-2).

McAllister (5-4) allowed three hits, including a two-run double by Adrian Gonzalez, in a career-high eight innings.

Chris Perez pitched the ninth for his 31st save in 35 chances for Cleveland, 3-1 since an 11-game losing streak.

Boston has lost eight of 11.

All three hits allowed by McAllister were doubles. The right-hander struck out four without issuing a walk.

Michael Brantley’s sacrifice fly broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth.

Lillibridge, acquired from Boston for minor league pitcher Jose De La Torre, put Cleveland ahead 1-0 by driving Morales’ pitch into the left-field seats for his first homer since Aug. 31, 2011, when he was with the Chicago White Sox. Chicago had traded him to Boston on June 24 in the deal for Kevin Youkilis.

Lillibridge raised his average 21 points to .202 and doubled his season RBI total to four.

The start was delayed 18 minutes because Indians Hall of Fame ceremonies ran long. Right-hander Gaylord Perry, late outfielder Jack Graney, and late trainer Jim Warfield were all inducted.