Kipnis powers Tribe past Chicago

Associated Press

chicago

Jason Kipnis hit a three-run homer and finished with a career-high four RBIs, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 7-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Thursday night.

Kipnis, a native of suburban Chicago, also tripled in a run, walked and scored twice.

Justin Masterson (1-2) picked up his first win of the season, holding the White Sox to three runs over 61/3 innings. Masterson improved to 3-1 at U.S. Cellular Field and hasn’t allowed more than three runs in any of his six career road starts against the White Sox.

Chris Perez got the last two outs for his ninth save in 10 chances.

Asdrubal Cabrera also homered for the Indians, who took two of three from the White Sox and have won four straight road series to begin a season for the first time since 1961. Cleveland’s 9-3 road record is tied with Texas for the best in the majors.

Chicago couldn’t overcome another rough night for John Danks (2-4), who allowed seven runs, six earned, over seven innings. He’s allowed seven or more runs in back-to-back outings for the first time in his career.

Danks, who ranks third among American League lefties with 50 wins since 2008, has a 6.51 ERA through his first six starts. He also committed two errors and has three this year, matching his total for his first five big league seasons.

After leaving Wednesday’s game with cramps, Johnny Damon was back in the Indians’ lineup Thursday as the designated hitter and went 1-for-5 with a double in the leadoff spot.

“I don’t think he’ll cramp up being the DH,” manager Manny Acta quipped.