CLEVELAND -- Indians fans were left wondering why closer Brad Hand was used in the four-run victory in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader rather than being saved for the nightcap. On Sunday, Indians manager Terry Francona provided some answers.

The Indians sent Hand to the mound in a non-save situation in the top of the ninth in the team’s 8-4 win over the Braves on Saturday. The Tribe’s closer allowed just one hit as he threw 15 pitches to secure the win.

“My thinking is, and I’ve evolved over the years, when you have a four-run lead, I know it’s not a save situation, but if you break it down, the first guy gets on, you gotta get your guy up,” Francona said. “The second guy gets on, he’s in the game. So, nine times out of 10 you’re going to get the guy hot, pitching. Why bring him in with traffic? A win’s a win. Take the win.”

Hand was due to get some work, having last pitched on Tuesday before Saturday’s appearance. After his one inning on the mound, the 29-year-old told his manager that he could be available for Game 2.

“Actually, he and [Nick] Wittgren both came in and said, ‘We’re good to go,’” Francona said. “ Just because players are willing -- and we do appreciate it -- I don’t think that’s the right thing to do, especially in April.”

There was no way to know a four-run lead was going to be blown in the second game. And while Hand would’ve been a much-needed option as the wheels began falling off the cart in the ninth inning in the nightcap, Francona stuck by his decision to have Hand finish out the first game.

“It just didn’t make sense to me,” Francona said. “I kept looking up, ‘I’ve got this guy hot, why not pitch him?‘ I always did in Boston with [Jonathan] Papelbon, and I told Cody [Allen] when I came here, it just always made sense to me. You know you’re trying to, people say, well, you’re trying to create confidence with somebody else, but if you leave him out there for two hitters, all you end up doing is undoing that, too. Give the guy the ball and let him finish the game.”

UMPS CARE Auction

Of the 400-plus items that Major League Baseball umpires are offering up during their 11th Annual UMPS Care Charities Online Auction, there are a handful that could catch an Indians fan’s eye.

Until Monday, April 29, at 10 p.m. ET, fans have an opportunity to bid on autographed sports memorabilia, VIP experiences and VIP ticket packages, including a signed baseball by Carlos Gonzalez, VIP status for four people to an Akron RubberDucks game, Cleveland Indians Play Ball kid experience/game tickets for four on July 15 or lunch with a Major League umpire. For Cleveland Browns fans, a signed football by running back Nick Chubb is also available.

All proceeds from the online auction support UMPS CARE Charities youth programs, which connect children and families in varies communities. The group provides unique MLB experiences for critically ill kids, at-risk youth and military families, Build-A-Bear Workshop experiences for children battling serious illnesses at more than 15 pediatric hospitals in the U.S. and Canada, college scholarships for deserving young adults who were adopted as children and financial assistance for families in the baseball community in need.

To bid, visit: www.mlb.com/UmpsCare

This day in Indians history

1986: Tom Candiotti tosses a shutout with 10 strikeouts in a 7-0 win against Baltimore.