Kipnis RBI helps Indians top Nationals 2-1

Kipnis RBI helps Indians top Nationals 2-1

CLEVELAND (AP) — Jason Kipnis’ run-scoring fielder’s choice in the ninth inning lifted the Cleveland Indians to a 2-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Friday night.

With runners on second and third and one out, Kipnis hit a hard ground ball to the right side. First baseman Adam LaRoche made a diving backhanded stop and fired a throw to catcher Kurt Suzuki, but Drew Stubbs slid in with the winning run.

Stubbs’ one-out single off Fernando Abad (0-1) started the rally before the Indians executed a perfect hit-and-run play. As Stubbs broke off first, Michael Bourn punched a ground ball through the hole that opened when Steve Lombardozzi went to cover second base. Stubbs advanced to third. Joe Smith (3-0) retired the side in order in the ninth for the Indians, who have won three straight after losing eight in a row.