Harang, Masterson sharp for Tribe
Associated Press
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.
Aaron Harang gave up a run on four hits in four innings and Nick Swisher hit a solo home run as the split-squad Cleveland Indians defeated the San Francisco Giants 5-1 on Sunday.
Harang, who signed a minor-league free agent contract on Feb. 15 after pitching for Seattle and the New York Mets in 2013, won his second spring start in a row as he makes a bid for a spot in the Indians’ rotation.
The Indians scored a run in the first inning on a bases-loaded walk issued by Tim Hudson. After the Giants tied it at 1 in the second, Cleveland scored two more in the third. Swisher led off with his first homer of the spring and the second run scored on a double-play ground ball.
Bench coach Brad Mills said the 6-foot-7 Harang, who has also pitched for Oakland, Cincinnati, San Diego and the Los Angeles Dodgers during a 12-year career, brings a strong veteran presence to the mound.
Mills said the 35-year-old Harang “still has got pretty good stuff. His fastball can sneak up on you and he can keep you in the game.
“He throws strikes and always seems to be around the plate.”
Indians 3, Cubs 2
MESA, ARIZ.
Justin Masterson was so good that he hit the bullpen for more work after his spring training outing was over.
Masterson struck out eight in five scoreless innings, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs in a split-squad game.
“It’s nice to see the ball sinking, and the slider sliding pretty good,” he said.
Masterson allowed two hits and walked none. He is slated to start on opening day.
Masterson’s breezy outing seemed so effortless that manager Terry Francona had the right-hander throw a simulated inning in the bullpen when he was done facing the Cubs.
“He’s just building.” Francona said. “You see a little bit more power to the fastball. He’s got three more starts, and he’ll be ready to go.”
Carlos Santana had a solo homer and a double for Cleveland.
Chen-Chang Lee picked up a hard-earned save. He had to deal with a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the ninth after Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor booted a double-play ball.
Lee got another double-play ball, this one turned successfully by Lindor.