In control: Tribe’s Bauer looks sharp against Sox

Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz.

Trevor Bauer struck out seven, working solidly into the seventh inning, and the Cleveland Indians connected for three home runs Monday in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Bauer gave up four hits, including a home run to Tyler Flowers, in 61/3 innings.

He fanned Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche three times apiece but walked his first batter of the spring, Adam Eaton.

This outing, he said, was about “trying to get into a season mindset, get guys out more so than working on stuff.

“The things that I worked on early in spring, I was able to execute today and put into use,” he added.

Bauer, the Arizona Diamondbacks’ first-round pick in 2011 out of UCLA, is coming off a 5-8 season with a 4.18 ERA in 26 starts for the Indians.

One area he wants to improve in was his effectiveness in the first inning. Last year he had a 5.54 ERA in the opening inning, often putting himself in an early hole.

“It’s been a point of emphasis this offseason, doing some research on what was going on in the first inning,” Bauer said.

“It’s spring training, you never know until you get into the season. So far, I’m encouraged by it. We’ll see how it carries over.”

Bradley Zimmer hit a two-run homer to the right field bullpen off Hector Noesi in the fourth.

The homer was the first of the spring for Zimmer, an outfielder who was Cleveland’s first-round pick — 21st overall — in last June’s draft.

Veteran catcher Brett Hayes followed Zimmer’s long ball with his third of the spring, a long drive over the bullpen in left.

Noesi went 51/3 innings and gave up five hits, walking two and striking out five.

Jerry Sands also homered for the Indians, off Zach Duke.

STARTING TIME

Bauer lowered his spring ERA to 3.90 in 22 2-3 innings. He has one start remaining before the Indians open the season in Houston.

“I thought he was really good,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “He’s starting to get deep into the game and he’s starting to mix all his pitches in now. The timing’s about right.”

The improved control also got Francona’s attention.

“That’s been great. Love that. Love when guys work quick and throw strikes,” Francona said.

UP NEXT

Veteran lefty Bruce Chen faces Felix Hernandez and the Mariners today in Goodyear.