Sowers, Jackson both mediocre for Indians

ASSOCIATED PRESS

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Jeremy Sowers and Zach Jackson stayed about even in the race to be Cleveland’s No. 5 starter. They both had mediocre outings.

The left-handers each allowed a run and four hits in two innings of the Indians’ 6-4 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

“Opening day is five weeks away,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “It’s way too early to tell.”

Jackson, who started the game, gave up a run in the second. Sowers followed by allowing a run in the third. He was helped out when right fielder Stephen Head threw out a runner at the plate after catching a fly ball to end the inning.

Neither pitcher was that impressed with his performance.

“I don’t want to say I took a step back, but I didn’t keep the ball down,” Sowers said.

Said Jackson: “I’m disappointed partly because I didn’t get a chance to show the lefties my breaking ball. A couple of times they jumped on the first pitch and I didn’t get the opportunity to use it.”

Aaron Laffey, another lefty, is also competing for the fifth spot. He will start today against Texas.

Pirates 6, Tigers 4

BRADENTON, Fla. — Nate McLouth is getting more comfortable with each at-bat in spring training.

McLouth hit a three-run homer to lead Pittsburgh over Detroit. The outfielder went 2-for-3 after going hitless in his first two spring games, striking out twice in four at-bats.

“The first couple games I was a little jumpy, and I still am,” McLouth said. “It takes a while every year, 15-20 (at-bats) or so, but I’m getting there.”

McLouth grounded into a double play against Detroit’s Justin Verlander in the first inning. He singled in the fourth and was caught stealing.

McLouth had the big blow in the Pirates’ five-run fifth, hitting a fastball from Zach Miner over the right-field wall.

There was a stiff breeze blowing out to right field when McLouth went deep but he said it made it more difficult for him to hit.

“As a left-handed hitter, it’s blowing right in your face when you’re at the plate, drying out your eyes,” McLouth said. “If you can play outfield and hit in a wind like that here in Florida, you can play anywhere.”