x
Breaking News
More () »

WATCH | Indians OFs Oscar Mercado & Leonys Martin collide with each other, leading to inside-the-park home run

Thankfully, neither player left the game.
Credit: Tony Dejak/AP
Cleveland Indians' Leonys Martin, top, and Oscar Mercado collide while going after a ball hit by Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier during the sixth inning of a baseball game Thursday, May 23, 2019, in Cleveland. Kiermaier hit a three-run home run.

It's safe to say the Indians have hit a rough patch.

With an offense ranked as one of the worst in the league, the Tribe now finds itself 7 1/2 games behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division. Fan discontent is growing, and there doesn't appear to be much relief in site.

Thursday night brought yet another unpleasant moment, one that may very well make SportsCenter's "Not Top 10" list: With two runners on base in the top of the fifth inning (and Cleveland already down 3-0), Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier hit a fly ball into left center that looked like a possible out or (at worst) a single. However, Indians left fielder Oscar Mercado and center fielder Leonys Martin had other plans.

Both Martin and Mercado converged on the ball, with Mercado attempting to dive for it. This led to both outfielders crashing into each other and the ball skipping away toward the left field line, leading to an inside-the-park, three-run home run for the speedy Kiermaier.

Click here if you can't see the video.

Mercado remained down on the ground for several moments after the collision, but he and Martin each remained in the game. It was the fourth homer of the night hit off Tribe starter Adam Plutko.

It was just one part of what has not been an enjoyable night for Cleveland fans: Heading into the bottom of the fifth, the Indians trailed the Rays 7-0

Before You Leave, Check This Out