Cleveland Indians vs. Seattle Mariners: Josh Tomlin and Tribe Prevail 2-1

After being shut out for eight innings against Seattle Mariners ace Felix Hernandez, the Cleveland Indians rallied for two runs in the ninth to improve to 5-1 on the opening road trip of the 2012 campaign.

Indians starter Josh Tomlin went pitch for pitch with Hernandez, allowing just one run on five hits over eight innings of work. Hernandez struck out 12 over eight innings (126 pitches) and didn't allow a run but Mariners closer Brandon League was unable to close the door in the ninth.

Carlos Santana walked to lead off the the inning and Travis Hafner followed with a single to right field. After Casey Kotchman's bunt down the third-base line advanced Santana and Hafner, Jack Hannahan singled to left field and put the Tribe ahead for good at 2-1.

Indians closer Chris Perez looked strong in the bottom of the ninth by not allowing a baserunner to earn his fourth save of the season.

The Indians improved to 6-5 and are now just two games behind division-leading Detroit (9-4) after the Tigers were knocked around by the Texas Rangers earlier in the night.

The Tribe open up a three-game set against the A's tomorrow night in Oakland. Ubaldo Jimenez (1-0, 4.50 ERA) will face off against Oakland's Graham Godfrey (0-2, 4.09 ERA) in the opener.

The Tribe will be back at home on Tuesday when they open up a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field.