Tomlin worked into the seventh inning allowing only a two-run homer to David Ortiz in the fourth and the Indians rolled past the Boston Red Sox, 8-2, on Friday night.
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Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar (14-10) finished the year on a high note, allowing one run on four hits to go with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.
When this season of mostly mediocrity finally ended, Indians manager Terry Francona stood in Cleveland’s clubhouse and expressed thanks to his young team. Out of the eight Indians whom he faced, Owens threw a total of 30 pitches, which computes to just under four pitches for each plate appearance. But first baseman Jesus Aguilar singled to left field, scoring Chisenhall to give Cleveland a 3-1 lead. After consecutive outs to begin the second, catcher Roberto Perez doubled, creating the opportunity for an RBI single by Urshela to knot up the game at one. The Indians have the money to upgrade a position or two this offseason if they want to, and right field and third base could both be in the discussion, but it’s a discussion for another day.
“I was reluctant to label myself a starter after the first time, but this was a lot of fun and I enjoyed the routine involved”, said Breslow, who lost his eighth straight decision dating to May 25, 2014.
The Indians put this one away with four in the third and three in the fifth.
Porcello pitched seven innings, giving up three runs (two earned) on 10 hits.
Instead of packing up for a playoff series, the Indians tossed their belongings into cardboard boxes for shipping or storage, exchanged hugs and said goodbye until next season.
The Red Sox never came back and took the loss.
In addition, Torey Lovullo will return as bench coach.
Cleveland has won five of Salazar’s last five home assignments, during which he’s 3-1 with a 1.75 ERA and permitted two or less runs each time.
Believe it or not, the Red Sox also played a baseball game Sunday. 500 for the second straight season. Cleveland (79-80) needs to sweep the series to finish with a winning record, and a few consistent offense would make that a possibility.
Speculation became news after Dombrowski was notified by doctors that Farrell will make a full recovery as he recently completed his final course of chemotherapy.
“The one unknown is Hanley because he hasn’t played first base before”, Lovullo said.
Boston announced Farrell’s return before the season finale against Cleveland on Sunday.
Red Sox: 3B Pablo Sandoval (pneumonia) remains in Boston, but Lovullo said he is “improving”.
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Red Sox: For the second time in a week, lefty Craig Breslow (0-3, 4.22 ERA) draws the start for Boston in what the club is labeling “a bullpen game”. Relievers Joakim Soria, Tony Watson, and Mark Melancon each pitched a scoreless inning behind Happ to finish out the game.
