5 Indians pitchers combine to shut out Rangers

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

A night after flexing their muscles, the Cleveland Indians used a different tactic to beat the Texas Rangers.

While the offense was limited to run-scoring singles by Lonnie Chisenhall and Nick Swisher in the sixth inning, five pitchers combined on a five-hitter for a 2-0 victory on Saturday night.

“We got a couple of big hits and we were able to piece it together,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Scott Atchison (4-0) pitched 12/3 innings and worked out of a two-on, no-out jam in the sixth.

Cody Allen worked a shaky ninth for his 14th save. J.P. Arencibia drew a leadoff walk and Leonys Martin singled, but Allen regrouped. Pinch-hitter Jim Adduci struck out and Rougned Odor fouled out before Daniel Robertson struck out to end the 24-pitch inning.

“Luckily, I was able to make some pitches to get out of it,” Allen said. “You’re going to get in jams. You’re facing very good hitters who are going to beat you. It’s just part of being a closer.”

The win moved the Indians (55-55) back to .500 while the Rangers have dropped 18 of 21 away from home and are the worst team in the majors (43-67).

The Indians pounded out 16 hits in a 12-2 win Friday, but couldn’t do anything with Texas starter Miles Mikolas, who went into the game with an 8.54 ERA, through five innings.

That finally changed in the sixth. Jason Kipnis started the rally with a single, took second on a sacrifice and went to third on a groundout. The Rangers elected to walk Carlos Santana intentionally on a 2-0 count, but Chisenhall foiled that strategy by dropping a single into center field on the first pitch.

Swisher lined a single to right for a two-run lead.

“Lonnie found some outfield grass and Swish got the hit,” Francona said.

“He tried to get in on Chiz and he jammed him, but there was just enough there for him to hit,” Rangers manager Ron Washington said. “That was a tough break for Miles.”

T.J. House, called up from the minors before the game, pitched five scoreless innings for Cleveland.

House, who struck out seven and allowed three hits, was pulled in the sixth when Elvis Andrus drew a leadoff walk and took second on Alex Rios’ infield hit.