Yu Darvish wild vs. Indians

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz.

Yu Darvish is no one-pitch wonder for the Texas Rangers.

Unable to command his lively fastball, Darvish delivered devastating breaking balls to work out of trouble during the first three innings of the Rangers’ 8-8 tie with the Cleveland Indians in 10 innings Tuesday.

“I didn’t feel that good and could not command my fastball,” Darvish said through interpreter Joe Furukawa to the media throng after walking four and allowing two runs and three hits.

Darvish limited the damage by getting Shin-Soo Choo to ground into a double play. Texas catcher Yorvit Torrealba helped by throwing out two would-be basestealers.

“If Torrealba is not catching, I think I’d give up 10 runs today,” Darvish said. “Some of my pitches were so bad I don’t think any hitters would swing at them.”

Yangervis Solarte’s two-run homer off Indians starter Josh Tomlin helped Texas take a 7-0 lead after three.

Asdrubal Cabrera, Jason Kipnis and Lou Marson had two RBIs apiece for Cleveland, which went ahead 8-7 against the Rangers’ bullpen.

“He’s got good stuff,” Kipnis said of Darvish. “He’s got life on his fastball and looks comfortable out there. He struck me out with a good split-finger.”

Darvish said his only surprise thus far had been a pleasant one.

“It is amazing how much time players put in before and after games,” he said.

Indians first baseman Casey Kotchman missed his third game with a sore back.

“It’s much better today,” he said. “I just woke up with it Sunday — it wasn’t anything I did.”

Indians right-hander Jeanmar Gomez allowed one hit over three innings.