Brantley’s big return: 1 pitch, 2 runs

CLEVELAND — Michael Brantley has perfected the comeback season. Now he has to master completing one.

Brantley singled home two runs on the first pitch of his first at-bat this season and Carlos Carrasco worked out of a basesloaded jam in the sixth inning, leading the Indians to a 3-2 victory in their chilly home opener Friday against the Royals.

Brantley missed the first six games while on the disabled list recovering from offseason ankle surgery. But just hours after being activated, the two-time All-Star delivered in the first inning against Danny Duffy (0-2).

“He’s an easy guy to bet on,” manager Terry Francona said. “I could give you pages and pages of why. He’s the heart and soul of our team. He does everything the way you’re supposed to.”

After disappointing finishes the last two postseasons, the Indians are hoping this is the year they end a 70-year World Series title drought, baseball’s longest. Brantley is a major part of those plans, but he needs to stay healthy after being limited to 101 games the last two seasons.

Brantley has learned one major lesson from his injuries.

“Be patient,” said Brantley, who had a walk-off single to win last year’s home opener. “Understand that I’m listening to my body and understand exactly what’s going on and how I feel every day.

“That’s all I’m looking forward to, one day at a time, playing as many games as I can.”

Carrasco (2-0) gave up two runs in the first inning but settled in. The right-hander then retired 13 straight and wound up yielding five hits in six innings.

The Indians got only four hits, but among them was an RBI single by Jose Ramirez preceding Brantley’s big hit.