Martinez Lifts Indians

Victor Martinez’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning gave the Cleveland Indians a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Monday night in a series opener between the American League Central rivals.

There was barely a tight pitch or menacing glare between the clubs, who have been at odds the last few years.

Before the four-game series began, Major League Baseball warned the teams to behave, sending a letter to both managers to keep their players in line.

Jhonny Peralta started the eighth inning with a single against starter Kyle Lohse (3-3) and scored on Martinez’s liner to center field. It was the Indians’ third consecutive victory.

It was only the second run batted in since May 8 for Martinez, who drove in 108 runs last season and was in a one-for-24 slump.

Arthur Rhodes (3-1) pitched a perfect inning and Bob Wickman got his 13th save in 15 tries.