(The Sports Xchange) - Michael Brantley blasted home runs in the seventh and eighth innings to lift the Cleveland Indians to a 7-5 win over the Detroit Tigers on Thursday.
"He's just such an intelligent hitter. Having him up there in those situations, I'm glad he's on our side. He's something to watch," Cleveland manager Terry Francona told reporters.
The left fielder broke a 3-3 tie with his first blast, leading off the seventh inning, as the Indians opened a two-run advantage.
Detroit scored twice in the top of the eighth to get back on level terms before Brantley went deep again in the bottom of the eighth, a two-run shot off left-hander Blaine Hardy (4-3), to give Cleveland their winning margin.