Bauer outduels Scherzer as Tribe beats Nationals
Published 1:34 am Wednesday, August 10, 2016
WASHINGTON (AP) — Francisco Lindor singled to break up Max Scherzer’s no-hit bid and scored in the seventh inning, and Trevor Bauer pitched the Cleveland Indians to a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Tuesday night.
Jose Ramirez went 2 for 4 with an RBI double in the seventh and an RBI single in the ninth. Lonnie Chisenhall drove in Ramirez in the seventh while Cleveland cracked Scherzer after Bauer kept the Nationals at bay.
Bauer (8-5) allowed four hits and no runs and struck out four in 6 1/3 innings opposite Scherzer’s attempt to record his third no-hitter. Scherzer (12-7) retired 19 of the first 20 batters before struggling in the seventh, and the right-hander finished with 10 strikeouts.
Jayson Werth hit a solo home run off Indians trade-deadline acquisition Andrew Miller in the eighth, his 14th of the season, and extended his on-base streak to 39 games.
Bauer’s bounceback outing was almost a sideshow to Scherzer but wound up the main event. Manager Terry Francona said before the game, “It’s not like Trevor’s been lights out lately,” and he’s right.
In his previous five starts, Bauer had allowed 22 earned runs on 33 hits for an ugly 8.37 ERA. Against the Nationals, Bauer wasn’t spectacular but showed impressive efficiency in getting through unscathed.
Scherzer was locked in until the seventh, when he compounded Lindor’s single by throwing the ball away while trying to pick him off at first for a two-base error. Consecutive hits by Lindor, Ramirez and Chisenhall provided the offense the Indians needed, and Ramirez added insurance by driving in Jason Kipnis in the ninth.
Cody Allen improved to 21 for 23 in save opportunities for Cleveland.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Indians: OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder) saw a specialist in New York, and the team says he has the symptoms of chronic biceps tendinitis. His return this season is in doubt. … Francona was not feeling well enough to manage after complaining of chest pain before the game. He was replaced by bench coach Brad Mills, but the team said the decision was precautionary. … Francona said RHP Danny Salazar (right elbow inflammation) played catch and was doing well. Salazar is eligible to come off the disabled list Aug. 17 and could rejoin the rotation then. … Francona said RHP Jeff Manship (right wrist tendinitis) should be able to come off the DL on Thursday without a rehab appearance.
Nationals: OF Bryce Harper missed his second consecutive game with a stiff neck. Manager Dusty Baker had no timeframe on the reigning National League MVP’s return other than to say the club has considered shutting him down to avoid further risk. … C Wilson Ramos took a foul tip off his left foot in the eighth inning. He stayed in the game but was replaced by Pedro Severino at the start of the ninth. … Baker said RHP Joe Ross is “still feeling some things” as he works his way back from shoulder inflammation.
REVERE’S CATCH
Before Scherzer’s no-hit bid ended, center fielder Ben Revere made a highlight-reel jumping catch to rob Roberto Perez in the sixth. Revere leapt at the wall in left-center field to take extra bases away from Perez while Scherzer let out a scream.
UP NEXT
The Indians have listed 25-year-old RHP Mike Clevinger (0-1, 6.97 ERA) as their starter for the Wednesday afternoon series finale. LHP Gio Gonzalez (7-9, 4-13) starts for the Nationals.