Salazar, Indians down Athletics
Published 9:52 pm Saturday, July 11, 2015
CLEVELAND (AP) — Danny Salazar scattered five hits while allowing an unearned run in 8 2/3 innings and the Cleveland Indians used a four-run sixth inning to beat the Oakland Athletics 5-1 on Friday night.
Salazar (8-4), who came within one out of his second career complete game, struck out eight.
The right-hander retired the first two hitters in the ninth before Ben Zobrist doubled and Billy Butler was hit by an 0-2 pitch. Cody Allen came on and got Ike Davis on a foul out for his 19th save, and third in three nights.
The Athletics’ only run came in the first after an error by second baseman Jason Kipnis. After Billy Burns led off with a single, Canha reached on Kipnis’ error on a fielder’s choice. Canha was forced at second on Josh Redick’s grounder and Ben Zobrist walked to load the bases. Billy Butler then had a sacrifice fly.
Kendall Graveman (6-5) allowed four runs in 6 2/3 innings for his first loss since June 13. Graveman’s 19-inning scorless streak ended on Yan Gomes’ RBI double in the fourth that tied the score.
Kipnis drew a bases-loaded walk in the sixth off reliever Drew Pomeranz to put Cleveland ahead 2-1. Francisco Lindor walked to force in another run and Michael Brantley had a two-run single.
Cleveland has won four straight and nine of 12.
The Athletics have dropped nine of 14.
Carlos Santana singled off Graveman to start the sixth and took third on Giovanny Urshela’s two-out single. Michael Bourn walked to load the bases. Pomeranz replaced Graveman but issued a five-pitch walk to Kipnis.
Lindor walked on a full-count pitch, prompting a visit from pitching coach Curt Young. Brantley lined the next pitch into center field for a 5-1 lead.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Athletics: LHP Sean Doolittle (strained shoulder) played catch at 75 feet Thursday and had no issues. He’s on the 15-day disabled list for the second time this season.
Indians: RHP Josh Tomlin, who had shoulder surgery in March, will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Akron on Friday. He’s scheduled to pitch three innings.
UP NEXT
Athletics: RHP Chris Bassitt will be called up from Triple-A Nashville to start Saturday. He’ll take the spot of RHP Jesse Hahn, who has a strained forearm.
Indians: RHP Carlos Carrasco, who came within one out of a no-hitter in Tampa Bay on July 1, allowed four runs in the first inning and got the loss in his last start against Houston on Monday.