Indians One Win From Series

Oct 17, 05:00 AM

Current Headlines: By Bob Nightengale

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians were appalled watching Manny Ramirez strut around the bases Tuesday night, but instead of venting their anger, they decided the best retaliation will be celebrating an American League pennant.

The Indians, with their 7-3 victory against the Boston Red Sox at Jacobs Field, moved to within one victory of playing the Colorado Rockies in the World Series, taking a 3-1 lead in the AL Championship Series.

"We've come from a long way," Indians catcher Victor Martinez said. "It's amazing. But just because we're up 3-1 doesn't mean anything. We have to finish it up. We don't want to be part of their history."

The Red Sox, who overcame a 3-0 deficit in 2004 against the New York Yankees in the ALCS, face formidable odds the way they're playing. They've been outscored 18-5 since the 10th inning of Game 2, and their starters have gone 4â..." innings in each of their last three games, yielding a 9.00 ERA. Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield became the latest to absorb a beating, with the Indians scoring seven runs in the fifth inning off him and reliever Manny Delcarmen.

The Indians sent 12 batters to the plate in the 35-minute inning, starting with Casey Blake's leadoff homer and including a three-run homer by Jhonny Peralta. It was an encore of the Indians' seven-run 11th inning of Game 2.

"The series isn't over," Red Sox manager Terry Francona said. "We're very aware of what they can do."

The Indians also realize what the Red Sox are capable of with their 16-pitch, home run derby in the sixth inning. Kevin Youkilis hit a homer to left field. David Ortiz followed with a homer to right, chasing Cleveland starter Paul Byrd. Ramirez completed the trifecta with a homer to center off reliever Jensen Lewis but infuriated Indians general manager Mark Shapiro and several players with his actions. Ramirez thrust his hands in the air, walked seven steps before trotting around the bases and jumped into Ortiz's arms when he reached the dugout.

"Personally, I don't care what people do," Martinez says. "We play the game the right way. We're earning respect the way we're playing." (c) Copyright 2005 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.