Tribe’s Masterson works four hitless innings

Associated Press

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.

Cleveland’s Justin Masterson threw four no-hit innings and Lonnie Chisenhall hit his first home run of spring training in the Indians’ 7-1 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Arizona starter Trevor Cahill left the game after jamming his right knee covering first base on a groundout with two outs in the fifth inning. Cahill is scheduled to start the second of the Diamondbacks’ two-game season-opening series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Australia on March 23.

After the game, to no one’s surprise, manager Terry Francona said Masterson would be the Indians’ opening-day starter.

“ I think it’s a big honor for him,” Francona said. “I think it’s an honor for us to tell him, and I think he’s very deserving.”

Masterson faced the minimum 12 batters, thanks to three Cleveland double plays, two on throws from right fielder Jeff Francoeur.

“There were a lot of close pitches that I was happy with,” he said. “I was around the zone. I got behind in the count once in a while but I had some great plays behind me.”

Cahill had a shaky outing, allowing five runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings, including Chisenhall’s two-run homer in the fourth.

Masterson struck out one, walked one and hit two batters in his most impressive outing yet in a strong spring. He has not allowed a run and given up just four hits in eight innings.

“I thought our opening-day starter looked pretty good,” Francona said. “He’s ramping it up. He’s getting his foundation. He’s getting deeper and deeper and he’ll continue to do so. He’s got good movement on his two-seamer. He’ll ramp up his fastball when he wants to and he’s working on getting that breaking ball in season form. That’s what a good pro does.”

Although he said there was nothing new to report on talks over a contract extension, Masterson hinted that he expects progress in talks soon.