Justice Serves Indians Well

BOSTON — David Justice followed his late decision to play with some last-inning heroics.

Justice, who missed the last seven games because of a sore left wrist, belted a tiebreaking two-run homer in the ninth inning Monday night that lifted the Cleveland Indians to a 7-5 victory over the Boston Red Sox.

“I knew after I had batting practice,” Justice said of his decision to play. “I really didn’t feel my wrist in the game. I’ll get some ice on it and take it day-to-day.”

Justice went two for four.

“David’s not a star player by accident,” Indian Manager Mike Hargrove said. “Every time he swings the bat there’s a chance for something magical to happen. It did tonight.”

The Indians, who posted only their second win in seven games against Boston, pulled out the win despite blowing a five-run lead.

With the score tied, 5-5, in the ninth, Jim Thome walked against Rich Garces. After Garces retired Richie Sexson on a fly out, former Dodger Mark Guthrie entered and Justice belted a shot over the Red Sox bullpen in right. Guthrie has given up eight runs in his last four appearances.