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Naquin heeds advice, delivers pinch-hit RBI
- Updated: July 27, 2016
CLEVELAND — Through eight frames, Indians outfielder Tyler Naquin merely watched Tuesday night’s tilt with the Nationals. But with the game on the line in the home half of the ninth, Tribe manager Terry Francona called upon the rookie in a big spot.
Trailing by two runs, Naquin was called to pinch-hit following a leadoff walk. The young right-handed hitter promptly grabbed a bat and stepped in to face veteran Washington closer Jonathan Papelbon, in Cleveland’s 7-6 walk-off win at Progressive Field.
Before entering the batter’s box, Naquin spoke with outfielder Michael Brantley — who has been on the disabled list since May — about the impending matchup.
“He’s always watching pitches,” Naquin said. “He’s always watching everything. It might look like he’s staring off into space, but really he’s not. He’s got his eye on something at all times.”
Naquin watched a fastball go by for a strike to start the at-bat and swung through a fastball on the next pitch to fall behind. Then Naquin smacked a 1-2 offering …
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