Cord Phelps hit a walk-off, three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning against Tim Wood to clinch a series sweep for the Cleveland Indians, who beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 at Progressive Field Sunday.
Jeff Karstens pitched seven strong innings for the Pirates, allowing only a solo homer by Carlos Santana and a run-scoring double play. But the Pirates' offense had many opportunities of its own, and it did not take advantage, scoring only two runs (in the first) despite nine hits in the first six innings.
In the top of the eighth inning, the game went into a long rain delay, and when play finally resumed, Jose Veras took over for Karstens, who left with a score of 2-2. Both bullpens got through several innings unscathed (with Chris Resop getting a huge assist from catcher Michael McKenry in the ninth when McKenry threw out Shin-Soo Choo at second right before Santana doubled).
In the bottom of the 11th inning, however, Tim Wood came on to pitch for the Pirates and allowed a single to Choo. Choo then stole second, and the Pirates intentionally walked Santana. Phelps hit a three-run bomb to right field to end it.
After the sweep, the Pirates are now one game below .500, and their past struggles in interleague play seem to have continued. They'll take on the Baltimore Orioles at PNC Park beginning Monday night.