Home run derby: Indians’ bats come alive in rout of Astros

From wire reports

HOUSTON

Jason Giambi, Mark Reynolds and Carlos Santana homered, and the Cleveland Indians routed the Houston Astros 19-6 on Saturday night.

Giambi had five RBIs and Reynolds drove in four runs, but Scott Kazmir was unable to get the win in his first major league appearance since he recorded five outs in a start for the Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City on April 3, 2011. The left-hander allowed six runs and seven hits in 3 1-3 innings.

Cleveland roughed up Philip Humber (0-4) and finished with 22 hits while stopping a five-game slide. It was the highest-scoring game for the Indians since a 19-1 victory at Kansas City on May 16, 2011, and their most hits since they had 25 in a 22-4 win at the New York Yankees on April 18, 2009.

Humber (0-4) recorded just one out on the eve of the anniversary of his perfect game. He was charged with eight runs and eight hits.

The Indians managed just 11 runs and 33 hits during their losing streak. The 42-year-old Giambi was 1 for 12 for a .083 batting average coming into the game. His big day raised his average to .188.

Corey Kluber (1-0) pitched four innings of two-hit ball to get the win.

Just relax

Giambi’s advice to the offensively-challenged Indians before Saturday night?

“We’re right there,” said Giambi. “We’re giving ourselves scoring opportunities, but we’re just pressing.”

The Indians, with 10 losses in their first 15 games, were averaging 3.7 runs per game. The Tribe, Royals and Twins, three of the five teams in the AL Central, entered Saturday’s games tied for last in the league in runs scored.

“We need to relax and let the game come to us,” said Giambi. “This team is too good. We’re just trying to make too much happen. Unfortunately, the harder you try in this game, the worse you play.”

Roster Notes

Look for the roster to keep turning over. Right-hander Matt Albers could be activated Monday and Francona said catcher Lou Marson will probably join the Indians on Tuesday in Chicago and be activated Wednesday. ... Asdrubal Cabrera left Saturday night’s game with a bruised left wrist after batting twice in the Indians’ eight-run first inning.