The Indians scored five runs in the seventh inning in a 10-6 victory over the Rays, a stretch which was led by Carlos Santana's three-run bomb to give Cleveland its definitive lead. Luke Scott led the Rays at the plate with a flawless 4-4 performance with an RBI to go with it.
But the Indians had big time hits from the likes of Shin-Soo Choo, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley, as well as Santana. Cleveland starter Justin Masterson was even left trailing 4-3 with the bases loaded in the fifth, but was bailed out when Esmil Rogers (1-0) entered and got two quick outs. The were never able to capitalize.
With the victory, Cleveland takes control of the four-game series, which resumes on Thursday at 12:10 p.m. ET.
Read more on the Rays at DRaysBay and SB Nation Tampa Bay. Head over to Let's Go Tribe and SB Nation Cleveland for more on the Indians. Baseball Nation is your source for news and analysis around Major League Baseball.