Indians closer John Axford set down the first two batters he faced Friday against the Rays, but needed help to end the inning in a 6-3 win.
Axford came apart after striking the first two hitters out. He allowed a pair of doubles and a pair of walks before leaving with the bases loaded and two outs in the inning. Cody Allen came in and finished it off, after Axford threw 31 pitches in the inning.
Axford wasn't pitching in a save situation, but was shaky for the third time in four trips to the mound. He now has a 4.91 ERA to go with his nine saves in 11 chances.