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Tribe swipes five bases in victory over O’s
- Updated: May 28, 2016
CLEVELAND — Mike Napoli is known for his power, not his speed. Running the bases takes more than fleetness of foot, though. Ask the Indians’ first baseman, and he will say that it takes instincts, planning ahead and a mentality that boils down to a simple mantra.
“If a guy is going to give you a base,” Napoli said after Saturday’s 11-4 win over the Orioles, “go and take it.”
That mindset has been in working order all season long for the Tribe, which has developed into arguably the best baserunning team in the American League. It was also on full display on Saturday, when Cleveland put the pressure on former Tribe righty Ubaldo Jimenez, who was on the hook for four of the five stolen bases that the Tribe piled up in its latest win.
Before this one turned into a blowout, a key turn came for Cleveland on the basepaths in the opening inning. With one out and runners on first (Jose Ramirez) and second (Napoli), the Indians took advantage of Jimenez. After noticing that the pitcher was paying little mind to the baserunners, Napoli broke for third on an 0-1 pitch to Juan Uribe.
“He was not really paying too much attention,” Napoli said. “He looked home and would go. So, as soon as he turned his head, I just went.”
Baltimore catcher Matt Wieters did what he could to fire a …
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