Indians Listen: Tom Hamilton calls walk-off home run by Franmil Reyes

The Indians snapped a nine-game skid thanks to Franmil Reyes.

The Indians have had a heck of a July so far, losing nine games and falling to .500 on the year with a depleted roster and no starting pitching as far as the eye can see. Thankfully, Thursday marked a day that would hopefully be a turning point in the Tribe’s future, with the return of Zach Plesac to the starting rotation. Plesac, who’s been out for over a month, only went four innings and gave up three runs. Not a great day but it was salvaged thanks to one man. Cue Franmil Reyes.

Before we get there, let’s set the scene. The Tribe led 4-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth on what was a rainy day in Cleveland. The Royals had just given up three runs in the 8th to Roberto Perez, who smacked his fourth home run of the season.

Then the Royals answered in kind in the ninth, betrayed by one of our own; Carlos Santana. The former Indian slapped a ball deep to right-center to tie the game. The 10th loss in a row was coming, fans could feel it.

The magic came in the 9th to end the Indians skid

First, Cesar Hernandez walked, right after Bradley Zimmer had grounded out to start the inning. Then Amed Rosario went down on strikes, leading to Jose Ramirez coming to the plate. The Tribe’s best player came to the plate, only to be walked intentionally.

Then it was Reye’s turn. According to Zach Meisel, Ramirez getting walked was exactly what Reyes wanted.

"Please walk him. Give me this shot. I want it."

With two on and two out, Reyes took a big swing and sent that ball deep to center field for a game-winning and streak-ending home run. The Tribe celebrated and it was obvious that a huge weight had been removed from all of their shoulders. Hopefully, this win and the return of Plesac can revitalize the team heading into the All-Star break.

Also, for funsies; here’s Indians in-game reporter Andre Knot doing his best to get out of the way of the celebratory ice bath. For those wondering, yes. It was memed to high heaven.