After a rocky beginning with both starting pitchers, Cleveland holds on to stay undefeated on the young season. Both teams scored five runs in the first two innings. The Indians opened things up with a home Run blast by leadoff hitter Carlos Santana. They added to their score in the second inning to make it 3-0, but the Rangers answered back with two runs of their own. The same score remained until Cleveland tacked on an insurance run in the seven inning. Texas tried making a comeback attempt in the final inning, but they came up short after scoring a run.
Santana lifts Indians to the win
Barely anybody had time to get settled in their seats at Globe Life Park before Carlos Santana immediately disrupted Rangers fans with a home run out of the left side of the park. The first baseman followed up the home run by bringing in Yan Gomes in the second inning. Left fielder Michael Brantley brought in the team's eventual game-winning run in the seventh inning.
Indians' right-handed starter Carlos Carrasco picked up the win after 5.2 innings of solid work. He gave up two earned runs on four hits and struck out seven batters. Cody Allen was able to get his second save of the season despite giving up two hits and one run, but he did ultimately strike out the side.
Rangers get frustrated on offense
After getting five runs on opening day, Texas was held to three runs and seven hits in the contest. They were held to just five hits through the first eight innings before they happened to knock on the Indians' closer a bit. Third baseman Joey Gallo rocketed a two-run shot in the second inning to make it a one-run game.
Down by two entering the bottom of the ninth, Nomar Mazara immediately doubled and Mike Napoli brought him around. Unfortunately for the Rangers, that's where the rally ended.
Texas hitters tallied up a total of 10 strikeouts on the night compared to their seven total hits. Three different players, including Gallo, struck out twice. Gallo also picked up a fielding error.
The series finale takes place on Wednesday night. First pitch in Arlington will be at 8:05 PM Eastern time.
