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Hafner Lifts Indians to Win Over Angels

Speier's no K-Rod for LA; Westbrook goes distance for Cleveland

By Chip Bayers,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 9, 2008 12:57 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Travis Hafner hit a two-run homer off emergency closer Justin Speier with two outs in the ninth inning, and Jake Westbrook earned his first complete game since 2006. Speier, forced to close because of Francisco Rodriguez's ankle problems, got the last out in the eighth and retired his first two batters in the ninth before walking Asdrubal Cabrera.

Hafner drove the right-hander's next pitch far over the right-field fence for his second homer, costing Speier his first save since 2004 with Toronto. It also ended the Angels' streak of victories in games in which they led after eight innings at 163. Until Tuesday, They hadn't lost under those circumstances since April 19, 2006, at Minnesota. Los Angeles extended the streak Monday on Torii Hunter's grand slam in the ninth.

Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner, left, rounds the bases after his two-run homer as Los Angeles Angels pitcher Justin Speier looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, April 8, 2008. The Indians won 4-3.
Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner, left, rounds the bases after his two-run homer as Los Angeles Angels pitcher Justin Speier looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday,...   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Los Angeles Angels' Vladimir Guerrero watches his two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Los Angeles Angels' Vladimir Guerrero watches his two-run home run against the Cleveland Indians during the sixth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner, right, watches his two-run home run as Los Angeles Angels catcher Jeff Mathis looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim on Tuesday.
Cleveland Indians' Travis Hafner, right, watches his two-run home run as Los Angeles Angels catcher Jeff Mathis looks on during the ninth inning of a baseball game in Anaheim on Tuesday.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Cleveland Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook smiles as he leaves the field after their 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels during a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Cleveland Indians pitcher Jake Westbrook smiles as he leaves the field after their 4-3 win against the Los Angeles Angels during a baseball game in Anaheim, Calif., Tuesday, April 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
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MLB • Cleveland Indians • Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim • Travis Hafner • American League • Jake Westbrook • Angels Stadium • Justin Speier

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