Cleveland Indians avoid clean sweep as Justin Masterson shines – MLB Recap
Justin Masterson helped the Cleveland Indians avoid a clean sweep in the hands of the Chicago White Sox who were 2-0 up in the three game series. He threw 98 pitches, 63 for strikes, to complete his seven innings that limited Chicago’s hitters to only one
run. The right-handed pitcher was also involved in the first triple play of the Major League Baseball season which, according to the manager, will set the tone for the Indians in this season.
"You don't win or lose a division in the first week or even the first month," Cabrera said after the game. "But getting that first win is always huge. The triple play got us going."
On the other hand, White Sox starter John Danks threw 104 pitches for his six innings including 67 strikes. He gave away two runs in six hits and started his season with a loss. Philip Humber and Will Ohman followed him with costly 1.1 innings that gave
away five runs to the Indians’ hitters. Matt Thornton completed the eighth inning without any further damage to the White Sox.
Indians’ second baseman Orlando Cabrera was the most effective hitter with his two runs and two RBIs in his four times at bat. Designated hitter Travis Hafner added two runs to the Indians’ total while left fielder Travis Buck, third baseman Jack Hannahan
and catcher Lou Marson scored one run each. Third baseman Omar Vizquel scored the only run for the White Sox on Paul Konerko’s RBI single in the third inning.
Game Highlights:
Vizquel scored the first and the only run for White Sox in the third innings on Konerko’s single to left field.
Cabrera hit the only homer of the game in the sixth innings that put Indians ahead with one run lead.
Marson doubled to deep right field in the seventh inning to bring Hannahan home before he completed the run on Cabrera’s sacrifice fly.
Hafner and Cabrera added to the White Sox misery by completing their run on Shelley Duncan’s single to left field. Buck Scored on Michael Brantley‘s sacrifice fly to left field to make the score 7-1 for the Tigers that remained unchanged until the end.
Final Score: Boston White Sox 1-7 Detroit Tigers
Team News:
Indians right-hand pitcher Joe Smith and outfielder Grady Sizemore, who started the regular season on the disabled list, will participate in an exhibition match between two Indians farm teams on Monday.
Next is the Indians' three game series against Boston at home while the White Sox will travel to Kansas City to play a two game series against the Royals.
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