Carrasco finishes; Indians’ offense doesn’t

Associated Press

ARLINGTON, Texas

Carlos Carrasco pitched a complete game for the Indians. The problem was the Cleveland offense couldn’t finish what it started.

The Indians stranded nine runners in five innings against Texas starter Nick Martinez, and then were stymied by a trio of relievers in a 5-1 loss Sunday that kept them from completing a three-game series sweep.

“Instead of losing 4-1 at one point, 5-1, we probably should have been up six, seven because we had such good opportunities early, and we didn’t do anything with them,” manager Terry Francona said.

“We didn’t get it done today,” Nick Swisher said.

Carrasco (4-4) struck out nine and threw 77 of his 114 pitches for strikes over eight innings. It was the first complete game for a Cleveland pitcher this season, and the fourth in the right-hander’s career.

“I feel great. That’s what I’m trying to do is attack more hitters and get the opportunities to give the team to win the game.” Carrasco said. “I missed a couple of spots, too, and I paid for that.”

Mitch Moreland had a two-run homer for Texas after an earlier hit off the top of the wall. Prince Fielder had two singles, one of them driving in a run.

After Moreland lined a double off the top of the right-field wall in the second that produced the first Rangers run, his drive estimated at 407 feet in the sixth just cleared the wall in center and made it 4-1.

“He made a couple mistakes, basically to Moreland, a couple that really cost us the runs. But I mean he pitched eight innings,” Francona said.

Michael Brantley had an RBI double in the fifth for Cleveland, but that inning ended with the bases loaded after Michael Bourn struck out on the 103rd and last pitch by Martinez.

Martinez allowed one run for his first victory in six starts since winning his first two games this season. The right-hander struck out six, but gave up five hits, walked five (one intentionally) and hit a batter.

Ross Ohlendorf (one inning) and Tanner Scheppers (two innings) each had a perfect outing after coming up Triple-A Round Rock earlier Sunday. Shawn Tolleson struck out two while allowing only a two-out single in the ninth.

“It was not unlike games we’ve been playing, we just happened to have some 1-2-3 innings late,” Rangers manager Jeff Banister said. “A shot in the arm for us, something we haven’t had in a while.”

IN THE WEB

Adrian Beltre hit a deep drive in the eighth that left fielder David Murphy caught after leaping at the 14-foot-high wall. The Rangers challenged whether Murphy caught the ball. Replays confirmed that he did, and that the ball was in the web of his glove and never hit the padding of the wall. Murphy is very familiar with the outfield, having played for Texas from 2007-13.

ONE AT A TIME

Fielder is hitting .344 through 38 games, with 39 of his 52 hits being singles. He also has eight doubles and five home runs.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Indians: When Shaun Marcum is scheduled to take over Cleveland’s rotation spot for departed Bruce Chen on Wednesday, T.J. House — the No. 5 starter to begin the season — is set the same day to make his second rehab start in the minors in his recovery from left elbow inflammation.

Rangers: LHP Ross Detwiler (0-5 in seven starts) was put on the 15-day disabled list with left shoulder inflammation. The move was retroactive to Friday, the day after his last start.

UP NEXT

Indians: Cleveland is headed to Chicago for the start of a four-game series against the White Sox. Reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber (1-5) goes for his second win in a row after going 0-5 his first eight starts.

Rangers: After playing 16 days in a row, the Rangers have an off day today before opening a nine-game trip. They play Tuesday at Boston.