Perez’s hustle indicative of Tribe’s aggressiveness

CLEVELAND — A small play can turn into a big moment, especially on the October stage. That is the way the Indians felt about what catcher Roberto Perez pulled off in the fifth inning of Thursday’s 5-4 win over the Red Sox in Game 1 of the American League Division Series.

After leading off with a single, Perez tagged up at first on a fly ball to deep left from Carlos Santana. Perez then hustled to second base, beating the throw from rookie left fielder Andrew Benintendi. That helped set up the game’s decisive run, as Jason Kipnis followed with an RBI single that scored Cleveland’s fifth and final run.

“That was a really good play,” manager Terry Francona said on Friday before Game 2 (4:30 p.m. ET on TBS). “You probably couldn’t tell, but it brought so much energy in the dugout when it happened. Everybody kind of jumped up. In my opinion, that was a big play.”

Game Date Time Matchup TV/Highlights Gm 1 Oct. 6   CLE 5, BOS 4 Gm 2 Oct. 7 4:30 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 6 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 6 or 8 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians • Complete Postseason coverage

Perez’s hustle to second put the Indians’ baserunning prowess on display. During the regular season, Cleveland ranked first in the AL with 186 bases taken (on fly balls, passed balls, wild pitches, balks and defensive indifference). The Indians also led the league in stolen bases, but Francona often …

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