Indians Drop Home Finale

The Indians wanted to give away a few parting gifts on Sunday afternoon. Prior to facing the Twins, players shook hands with fans as they entered Progessive Field. During the game, manager Manny Acta provided a special moment that those in attendance won't soon forget.

There was just one thing missing in the end.

"I really wanted to get that win," Acta said.

It was the Twins who walked away with a 6-4 victory in 10 innings, spoiling that aspect to the final home game of the 2011 season for the Indians. Cleveland made a habit of turning Progressive Field into a house of hope this year, with an assortment of memorable wins that included plenty of fireworks amidst celebrations at home plate.

The Indians enjoyed 18 home wins in their last at-bat, including 12 of the walk-off variety. Seven of those came courtesy of game-winning home runs. Two of those blasts were grand slams. Overall, the Tribe finished 44-37 at home this year, marking the team's highest win total in front of the local fans since 2008.

Progressive Field's doors might now be closed for baseball this year, but the Indians believe their success at home this year will pay dividends next season.

"We had a lot of fun here this year," Indians outfielder Shelley Duncan said. "I think we gave some momentum to the fans for next year. That's what I think came out of it. You could tell that it's like we rebonded with Cleveland.

"They've been missing out on a lot of stuff. A lot of it came back. Sometimes that's the key ingredient in putting together a winning team -- having that home city with you. I think a lot of it will carry over to next year."

One of the things Cleveland has been missing out on is the postseason, and this year's squad -- beset with injuries throughout the season -- was unable to deliver in that regard. With three games left on the schedule, however, the Indians (80-79) do have a chance at finishing in second place.

Such a finish does not replace baseball on the October stage, but would represent progress for a team coming off consecutive years of 90-plus losses. Many of the strides experienced this season were due to the wild wins that this team full of young players piled up in Cuyahoga County.

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