Indians get help from the sun to beat Angels

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Derek Lowe never saw the key play that helped him and the Cleveland Indians win the game.

Lowe pitched three-hit ball into the eighth inning and the Indians scored three runs on errors to beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-0 Sunday. Two scored on an error by nine-time Gold Glove outfielder Torii Hunter.

“I’ve never played the outfield, but I probably would do that myself,” Lowe said after Hunter lost a routine fly ball in the sun, allowing Cleveland to go ahead 2-0 in the fifth inning.

“The mighty sun was on our side today,” manager Manny Acta said after Cleveland took two of three from the slumping Angels to claim sole possession of the AL Central lead.

Hunter accepted blame for Los Angeles’ sixth loss in seven games.

“I lost that game. I feel bad,” said Hunter who has the fewest errors of any outfielder in history with more than 4,500 chances. The error was only his 36th in 4,525 opportunities.

“I can’t explain it,” Hunter said. “I’ve been playing this game for a long time. It seems like the sun wins.”

Lowe (4-1) kept his fielders from battling the bright sky by retiring 12 Angels on ground balls, including Albert Pujols three times. Pujols also struck out against reliever Chris Perez, extending his career-long homerless streak to 117 at-bats.

“Lowe was outstanding,” Acta said. “He had command of that sinker and also a good slider. Any time you can take two of three from that pitching staff is great. Our pitchers matched up great against them.”

Lowe, 38 and in his 16th season, said his 9-17 record and career-worst 5.05 ERA a year ago with Atlanta is not weighing on his mind. He’s more excited to be part of Cleveland’s strong staff.

“I’ve never let one season flow over into the next,” Lowe said. “I know the only way to be successful and win over six months is to have strong starting pitching. It’s a fun gang to be part of.”