Chen hit hard as Tribe loses again to Twins

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Bruce Chen has pitched for 11 major league teams. He will not remember his Cleveland Indians debut fondly.

The left-hander was rocked for six runs in four-plus innings Saturday, including a solo homer by Torii Hunter, as the Minnesota Twins beat Cleveland 7-4.

Chen (0-1), who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus before the game, allowed 11 of the 22 hitters he faced to reach base. He gave up 10 hits and walked one before being lifted three batters into the fifth.

“I didn’t pitch well, and I feel bad because I let the team down,” said Chen, whose last big league appearance was with Kansas City on Aug. 28, 2014. “I prepared myself well and I really wanted to help this team win.

“I’m just going to keep working hard and, hopefully, I can help this team win in the future.”

The Indians trailed 7-0 heading into the bottom of the sixth, but scored four times over the next two frames to chase Twins right-hander Phil Hughes (2-4).

Pinch-hitter David Murphy hit a two-run homer in the seventh off Hughes, slicing Minnesota’s lead to 7-4, but three relievers slammed the door on Cleveland.

The Indians twice sent the potential game-tying run to the plate against Twins closer Glen Perkins, but Brandon Moss and Ryan Raburn were retired to end the game.

“We fought back and made a game of it, but I don’t want to go too crazy because we lost,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said. “It’s not going to help us to feel sorry for ourselves, nor will we.”

Designated-hitter Nick Swisher tied his career high with four hits for the Indians, who have the worst record in the American League at 10-19. Cleveland is just 4-10 at Progressive Field.

“I would have traded all those hits back for a win, in a heartbeat,” said Swisher, who is hitting .316 in five games since returning from double knee surgery. “It’s rough, man. It’s rough losing. It’s been such a rough go for us. I just want to get everyone back in rhythm and start winning again.”

Leadoff hitter Jason Kipnis collected three hits and two stolen bases for the Indians, while Michael Brantley and Michael Bourn had two hits apiece.

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Indians: RHP Danny Salazar makes his second start against the Twins this year. He allowed two runs in six innings to earn the road victory on April 18.