Indians’ Gomez sharp vs. Marlins

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Jeanmar Gomez had faith in his fastball and slider — along with complete confidence in Cleveland’s defense.

Gomez, aided by two early plays from first baseman Casey Kotchman, pitched three-hit ball into the seventh inning and Asdrubal Cabrera homered to lead the Indians past the Miami Marlins 2-0 Saturday.

“Another well-pitched game by both sides,” Indians manager Manny Acta said.

Miami put two runners on base in an inning only once against Gomez (3-2), who struck out four over 61/3 innings. Cabrera connected off Anibal Sanchez (2-2) to put Cleveland ahead in the fourth inning.

Three relievers finished off the Indians’ third shutout of the season. Chris Perez struck out the side on 10 pitches in the ninth for his 13th save in 14 chances. All three Marlins looked at strike three.

“We were looking for a walk to make sure the tying run got to the plate,” Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said with a laugh.

Perez was just as pithy.

“I’m tired of getting booed at home, so I figured I’d throw strikes today,” said the right-hander, who blew a save in the season opener and entered with a 6.48 ERA at Progressive Field. He has not yielded a run in eight road outings.

Miami dropped to 13-5 in May, while Cleveland earned its fifth win in six games as Gomez’s performance extended a string of strong outings by the Indians’ rotation. Cleveland starters have worked six or more innings in 20 of the last 23 games, logging more innings than any other starting staff since April 27.

Gomez walked two and was in trouble only once, when Miami had runners on first and third with two outs in the third. He got Hanley Ramirez to fly out to right to end the threat.

“He made good pitches when had to, had very good life on his two-seam fastball and a swing-and-miss slider,” Acta said.