Reaction: Carrasco stellar in Cleveland Indians’ 2-0 win over Astros

For the second game in a row, the Cleveland Indians and Astros found themselves locked in a pitchers’ duel, but on Wednesday night, it went the Tribe’s way in a 2-0 victory behind Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco went 6.1 innings, striking out 10 and walking just one batter, while giving up only three hits. Meanwhile, Houston starter Scott Feldman lasted 6.1 innings and gave up five hits and a run, while striking out five. 

Key Moments
Fourth Inning: The Tribe Takes the Lead
Carlos Santana scored the Indians’ first run of the year in the fourth inning. With one out, Santana launched a long home run to right field, reminding everyone of what he’s capable of at the plate. Feldman quickly escaped the inning and didn’t give up another run, but the Indians never trailed in the game.

Eighth Inning: Indians Score Again
Reliever Pat Neshek had a rough eighth inning, starting with a leadoff homer off of the bat of Mike Aviles. Michael Bourn singled and advanced on Jose Ramirez‘s sacrifice bunt, but Neshek escaped before anymore damage could be done.

The Positives
Marc Rzepczynski, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen combined for 2.2 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out three batters and walking one. Carrasco was stellar in his start, and did an excellent job of proving that he deserves his new contract. Jason Kipnis had a pair of hits, as did Aviles. Overall, it was a solid night for the Tribe both in terms of offense, and an excellent night in terms of pitching.

The Negatives
The exception to the great pitching the Tribe received on Wednesday was Nick Hagadone, who faced just two batters, walking Jason Castro and giving up a single to Jed Lowrie before being replaced by Rzepczynski without recording an out. Of course, that single wouldn’t have happened if Lonnie Chisenhall hadn’t misplayed a ball at third base, but it was still troublesome, in light of the high expectations for Hagadone this season. 

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Check It Out
– On Thursday, the Indians will take on right-hander Asher Wojciechowski, who is making his major league debut. This spring, he had a 1.29 ERA in 21 innings, striking out 16 and walking five. Wojciechowski was a long shot to make the rotation, but he’ll get the chance to prove he belongs against the Tribe.

– The Tribe will start Trevor Bauer, who will try to keep pace with fellow starters Corey Kluber and Carrasco. Bauer had a 4.18 ERA last season, including 143 strikeouts in just 153 innings.

Next: Series Preview: Cleveland Indians @ Houston Astros