Tribe’s Pavano (finally) pitches well

PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Carl Pavano rebounded from a rough outing with six strong innings Wednesday, and the Cleveland Indians beat the San Diego Padres 8-4.

Pavano, who appeared in only 26 games in four seasons for the Yankees after signing a $39.95 million contract in 2005, has had his share of struggles this spring. He entered the game with a 9.82 ERA, but threw 53 of 77 pitches for strikes Wednesday and was the first Indians pitcher to go six innings this spring. He gave up six runs over four innings in his last start.

“I still have to make some adjustments on the mound, but I felt really good today,” said Pavano, who complimented his defense — in particular two sparkling plays from second baseman Asdrubal Carerra in the fifth inning.

“I was getting frustrated with some things, but I spoke with our pitching coach [Carl Willis] and he simplified some things that gave me piece of mind,” he said.

“I was rushing my delivery a bit and he got me back in sync. I feel good to go out there and do a job like this.”

Indians manager Eric Wedge has penciled in Pavano as the No. 3 starter in the rotation this season, and was happy to see the positive results.

“I thought he threw well. He was on line with his pitches all day and did a good job moving his fastball around,” Wedge said “He came up in the zone that one inning, but he was able to get it back down and it was good to see him make the adjustment.”

After allowing a home run to Henry Blanco, a double to Luis Rodriguez and an RBI single to David Eckstein in the third, Pavano rebounded with three scoreless innings.

Andy Marte hit a two-run homer in the fourth, and Kelly Shoppach and Trevor Crowe each homered in the eighth to pace a 12-hit attack for Cleveland.

Rays 4, Pirates 2

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — Jeff Niemann helped his case for a spot in the Tampa Bay rotation with five sharp innings.

Pittsburgh’s Jeff Karstens is vying with Ross Ohlendorf and Virgil Vasquez for one of the last two spots in the Pirates’ rotation.

He allowed five hits, including a two-run homer to Adam Kennedy, over five innings. Karstens walked two and struck out five.