Carrasco’s strong start powers win
DETROIT — After Trevor Bauer and Corey Kluber lasted a combined seven innings in the first two games of the Cleveland Indians' four- game series against the Detroit Tigers, Carlos Carrasco gave them what they needed on Wednesday night at Comerica Park.
Not only did Carrasco pitch six innings, he did so with a lead. Andrew Miller and Cody Allen took it from there as the Indians not only beat a left- handed starter, but ended a threegame losing streak to the Tigers with a 3- 2 victory.
Carrasco ( 3- 2) allowed two runs on five hits in six innings, with five strikeouts and one walk. He has allowed four runs and struck out 10 in 12 innings in two starts against the Tigers this year.
Left- hander Matthew Boyd ( 2- 2) pitched well, but took the loss. The Indians improved to 4- 8 in games started by lefthanders this season.
Cleveland took a 3- 0 lead in the fourth against Boyd. Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley started the inning with singles. Boyd struck out struggling Edwin Encarnacion, but Jose Ramirez tripled to deep center field for a 2- 0 lead.
Jason Kipnis, who entered the game hitting .143 since coming off the disabled list, delivered Ramirez with a sacrifice fly. It was just the second RBI for Kipnis in 11 games.
The Tigers worked their way back into the game against Carrasco to make it 3- 2. Detroit made it a one- run game in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Victor Martinez.
Miller relieved Carrasco with two scoreless innings. Miller has yet to allow a run in 13 innings. He has struck out 20, including four against the Tigers.
Allen staggered through the ninth for his seventh save. He had trouble throwing strikes, walking two of the five batters he faced, but he struck out Jim Adducci to end it with the tying run on third. For the year, Allen has allowed just one earned run in 11 innings, with 22 strikeouts.
The Indians improved to 9- 6 on the road, but they are only 2- 4 against the Tigers.