[Nick Soulis]

Series #167



1992 Cleveland Indians
Record: 76-86
Finish: 4th in AL East
Manager: Mike Hargrove
Ball Park: Cleveland Stadium
WAR Leader: Kenny Lofton (6.6)
Franchise Record: 6-6
1992 Season Record: 2-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/1992.shtml

1997 Minnesota Twins
Record: 68-94
Finish: 4th in AL Central
Manager: Tom Kelly
Ball Park: Metrodome
WAR Leader: Chuck Knoblauch (6.8)
Franchise Record: 2-1
1997 Season Record: 0-3
Hall of Famers: (2)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/1997.shtml
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Twins Wont Be Denied
Cleveland Lucky To Avoid Sweep In No Contest Series



Game 1
At Cleveland Stadium
1997 Minnesota Twins 3
1992 Cleveland Indians 2
WP: B. Radke (1-0) LP: C. Nagy (0-1) S: R. Aguilera (1)
HR: A. Belle (1)
POG: Brad Radke (8 IP, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 112 P)
1997 Twins Lead Series 1-0

The 1997 Minnesota Twins claimed a narrow 3-2 victory over the 1992 Cleveland Indians in a rainy opener of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series at Cleveland Stadium. Brad Radke’s masterful pitching performance led the Twins, as he went eight innings, allowing just one run on seven hits while striking out three. Terry Steinbach’s clutch double in the fourth inning provided the game-deciding RBI, extending Minnesota’s lead to 3-0. Cleveland’s Albert Belle launched a solo homer in the sixth, and a late rally in the ninth brought the Indians within one run, but Rick Aguilera closed the door to secure the save. Despite a strong complete-game effort from Charles Nagy, who struck out 10 and scattered 10 hits, the Indians couldn’t overcome the early deficit. The game, played in 45-degree weather under steady rain with a brisk wind blowing to right field, showcased postseason intensity from start to finish.

Game 2
At Cleveland Stadium
1997 Minnesota Twins 6
1992 Cleveland Indians 5
WP: B. Tewskbury (1-0) LP: R. Nichols (0-1) S: R. Aguilera (2)
HR: None
POG: Roberto Kelly (2-4, 2 2B, RBI, 2 R)
1997 Twins Lead Series 2-0

In a thrilling contest at Cleveland Stadium, the 1997 Minnesota Twins edged out the 1992 Cleveland Indians, 6-5, in Game 2 of their best-of-seven Field of Dreams series. Despite steady rain and chilly 47-degree temperatures, Roberto Kelly led the Twins with a standout performance, going 2-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored, and a crucial RBI. Kelly’s fifth-inning double broke a 3-3 tie, giving Minnesota a lead they would not relinquish. Pitcher Bob Tewksbury battled through seven innings, surrendering 12 hits but limiting the damage to three earned runs, while Rick Aguilera shut the door with two scoreless innings for the save. The Indians rallied in the eighth with a two-run double by Mark Whiten, but Aguilera extinguished their hopes in the ninth. Minnesota now heads home with a commanding 2-0 series lead, setting the stage for Game 3 at the Metrodome.

Game 3
At Metrodome
1992 Cleveland Indians 1
1997 Minnesota Twns 8
WP: F. Rodriguez (1-0) LP: S. Scudder (0-1) S: G. Olson (1)
HR: M. Cordova (1)
POG: Frank Rodriguez (6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K, 0 K, 94 P)
1997 Twins Lead Series 3-0

In Game 3 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1997 Minnesota Twins delivered a commanding 8-1 victory over the 1992 Cleveland Indians at the Metrodome. The Twins capitalized on a massive seven-run third inning, highlighted by Marty Cordova's electrifying grand slam off Scott Scudder. Frank Rodriguez was masterful on the mound, tossing six innings of one-run ball while scattering five hits, earning Player of the Game honors. Paul Molitor and Pat Meares added key contributions, combining for four hits and two runs scored. Despite Kenny Lofton driving in Cleveland's only run, the Indians struggled to capitalize on opportunities, stranding eight runners. With the win, the Twins take a commanding 3-0 series lead, positioning themselves for a potential sweep in Game 4 tomorrow.

Game 4
At Metrodome
1992 Cleveland Indians 3
1997 Minnesota Twns 0
WP: J. Arstrong (1-0) LP: T. Miller (0-1) S: S. Olin (1)
HR: None
POG: Jack Armstrong (8 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 95 P)
1997 Twins Lead Series 3-1

The 1992 Cleveland Indians staved off elimination with a gritty 3-0 victory over the 1997 Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of their Field of Dreams best-of-seven series. Jack Armstrong delivered a masterful performance on the mound, holding the Twins scoreless over eight dominant innings, scattering just three hits and striking out six. Carlos Baerga led the offensive charge with a pair of clutch RBIs, including a sacrifice fly in the third inning and a two-out double in the first. Albert Belle added a key run in the fourth with a double off Twins starter T. Miller, who took the loss despite a strong outing. Despite the victory, Cleveland remains behind in the series 3-1, with Game 5 set to be played at the Metrodome. The Twins struggled to muster offense, leaving four runners on base and committing two errors. Armstrong’s brilliance and Steve Olin’s clean ninth inning earned the Indians a sliver of hope as they aim to keep their championship aspirations alive.

Game 5
At Metrodome
1992 Cleveland Indians 2
1997 Minnesota Twns 6
WP: B. Radke (2-0) LP: C. Nagy (0-2)
HR: P. Sorrento (1)
POG: Brad Radke (9 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 121 P)

In the decisive Game 5 of the Field of Dreams series, the 1997 Minnesota Twins clinched the championship with a commanding 6-2 victory over the 1992 Cleveland Indians at the Metrodome. Brad Radke delivered a masterful complete-game performance, allowing just three hits and striking out six to secure his second win of the series and Player of the Game honors. The Twins set the tone early, erupting for four runs in the second inning, highlighted by Marty Cordova's sacrifice fly and Pat Meares' clutch two-out, two-RBI double. Cleveland's lone bright spots were Paul Sorrento’s solo homer in the fourth and Kenny Lofton’s RBI double in the sixth, but their offense was stymied by Radke’s pinpoint control. The Twins added insurance runs in the fifth and eighth innings, with Rich Kelly and Meares contributing key extra-base hits. The jubilant Minnesota crowd celebrated as the Twins claimed their first Field of Dreams series, their cohesive play throughout the series epitomizing teamwork and resilience.

1997 Minnesota Twins Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

(2-0, 1.59 ERA, 17 IP, 9 K, 0.88 WHIP, .167 BABIP)