Thursday, March 20, 2014
Associated Press
GOODYEAR, ariz.
Sam Fuld scored two runs on two singles and a walk, leading the Oakland Athletics over the Cleveland Indians, 13-3, on Wednesday.
The center fielder has scored 13 runs in 12 games as the A’s leadoff hitter.
Yoenis Cespedes, who snapped an 0 for 23 slump Monday, drove in a run in Oakland’s two-run fifth inning against Carlos Carrasco, who is trying to earn the final opening in the Indians’ rotation.
Carrasco followed starter Danny Salazar and inherited a 3-0 lead. Carrasco gave up eight runs — five earned — in 22/3 innings.
“We had a couple times where we didn’t convert a play but then we didn’t limit the damage,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “Worked away from his fastball a little bit. Frustrating outing. The good part is it is spring training but we’re looking for him to build. It’s a little disappointing.”
Top shortstop prospect Francisco Lindor doubled and scored in the third and contributed a run scoring single as the Indians built a 3-0 lead against A’s starter Dan Straily.
Drew Pomerantz pitched three scoreless innings. The left-hander, who came to the Athletics in a December trade with Colorado, was Cleveland’s first pick in the 2010 draft. He is seeking a job in the Athletics’ bullpen.
STARTING TIME
Athletics: Straily, who led American League rookies in games started, innings pitched and strikeouts last season, made his fourth spring start. He pitched four innings and gave up five hits and three runs. In his Previous two starts, Straily has allowed just one run in 71/3 innings.
Indians: Salazar has been brought along slowly by the Indians to allow the young right-hander to last the season. Salazar pitched 1071/3 innings for Lake County in 2009. Reconstructive elbow surgery limited his innings in 2010 and 2011. Then he logged 145 innings at Akron, Columbus and Cleveland last season.
The 24-year old completed 32/3 innings Wednesday before he reached his pitch limit. He allowed no runs on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts, including Cespedes twice.
“I fell behind in count a lot in the first inning,” Salazar said. “They told me in the fourth that I only had 10 more pitches or I could have finished. I feel good. I feel like I’m ready for the season. I feel like I can do much more after every game.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Indians: Ryan Raburn has been restricted from playing in the field since he ran into the right field wall against the Cubs on March 7. Raburn was in the lineup Wednesday as the designated hitter. While the rest of the team has an off day today, Raburn will get at bats in a minor league game.
ROSTER MOVES
The Indians optioned right-handers Preston Guilmet and Frank Herrmann, left-handers Colt Hynes and infielder David Adams to Triple-A Columbus.
“I told Frank that this camp was a complete success,” Francona said. “I know he’s mad that he gave up runs but he just needs to pitch and enjoy the next couple months.”