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WATCH | Oscar Mercado makes game-saving catch to help preserve Cleveland Indians victory over Chicago White Sox

Mercado's leaping grab came with the bases loaded and one out in the 9th inning in a tight game

CLEVELAND — In one moment, the Cleveland Indians' season seemed like it was about to spiral completely downward. 

The Tribe led the White Sox, 8-6, with the bases loaded and one out in the top of the 9th inning at Progressive Field. Closer Brad Hand had just been taken out of the game after allowing two runs.

Now it was up to Nick Wittgren to try to preserve the win. 

Eloy Jimenez lashed a 3-2 pitch into deep center field. It looked like the ball was going over the head of Tribe centerfielder Oscar Mercado, which would have made it two nights in a row that the Indians bullpen failed to hold off the White Sox in the late innings. 

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But Mercado had other ideas. 

His spectacular catch not only preserved the Indians' lead, but unnerved Chicago's Jose Abreau, who inexplicably chose not to tag up and score from third base. 

Instead, Wittgren got the final out and the Indians hung on for a much-needed victory.

Time will tell if Mercado's heroics saved the season as well. 

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