Indians Face a Must-Win Situation

The handwritten note, scribbled on the erasable message board inside their clubhouse, was the most positive sign the reeling Cleveland Indians have seen for days. It said, “Bring Luggage to Ballpark.”

The Indians are planning a trip to Boston. But they are in jeopardy of not getting there.

Rookie Tadahito Iguchi hit a three-run home run in the top of the seventh inning and the Chicago White Sox held on for a 4-3 victory over the Indians on Saturday.

“I’m kind of stunned at what has happened,” Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner said.

Iguchi’s drive to center field, his 15th homer, ended a 1-1 tie and helped set up a game today that the Indians, who didn’t deliver with the bases loaded in the eighth inning, have to win for a chance to reach the playoffs.

Cleveland (93-68) has to beat the White Sox, the American League Central champions, and hope the New York Yankees (95-66) beat Boston (94-67) at Fenway Park today.

If that happens, the Indians would face the Red Sox on Monday in a one-game playoff at Boston to decide the AL wild-card winner. The Indians beat the Red Sox in a one-game playoff for the 1948 AL pennant.

Scott Elarton will start for the Indians today against rookie Brandon McCarthy.

“I hope we can still sneak in there,” third baseman Aaron Boone said. “Hopefully, we can get it done and come in here and watch TV.”

It could have been so much easier for the Indians, who lost by one run for the fifth time in six games, jeopardizing a postseason that seemed guaranteed a few days ago when they concluded a 17-2 stretch.

But since losing last Sunday to Kansas City, 5-4 -- when center fielder Grady Sizemore lost a ninth-inning fly ball in the sun -- the Indians have been sliding.

Are they choking?

“I think that’s ridiculous,” Cleveland Manager Eric Wedge said. “Look at what these guys have done, and the fact is we still have a chance to force a playoff game. You guys have written us off 25 times this year. I don’t think you have a right to say that when game 161 is meaningful.”

Jon Garland (18-10) gave up four hits in 6 2/3 innings and Chicago’s bullpen was able to hold off the Indians, who have lost a club-record 36 one-run games, including all nine to the White Sox.

Bobby Jenks pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save to help the White Sox improve to 13-5 against the Indians this season.

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Oakland 4, Seattle 3 -- Jason Kendall hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning to back Joe Blanton (12-12) at Seattle.

Right-hander Rich Harden, who hasn’t started since Aug. 19 because of a strained muscle below his throwing shoulder, struck out five in two innings.

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Baltimore 4, Tampa Bay 3 -- Devil Ray left fielder Damon Hollins lost track of the outs in the seventh inning and threw a live ball into the stands, helping the Orioles win at St. Petersburg, Fla.

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Minnesota 3, Detroit 0 -- Michael Cuddyer and Justin Morneau each had two hits and a run batted in to support rookie Scott Baker (3-3), who gave up seven hits in six innings and did not walk anyone at Minneapolis.

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Kansas City 7, Toronto 6 -- Andres Blanco hit a go-ahead single in the top of the eighth inning and the Royals recovered after giving up six unearned runs in the seventh.