Though the Cleveland Indians have been one of the lightest-hitting teams in the majors, that hasn't stopped them from becoming the latest club to take advantage of Texas Rangers pitching.
Trying to win a series on the road for the first time in a month, the Indians look to continue their hot hitting against the struggling Rangers when the teams play the finale of a four-game set Thursday night.Cleveland (27-32) entered this series having lost 12 of 15, but it has scored 35 runs and totaled 48 hits en route to taking two of its first three contests against Texas (30-31). It has been the most successful series of the season at the plate for the Indians, who are batting .243 on the season.
"We've been swinging the bats better lately," Cleveland manager Eric Wedge said. "We're doing a much better job with runners in scoring position. We've been making a lot more consistent contact in the past week or so. That's really the key to heading in the right direction offensively."
Ryan Garko had a career-high six RBIs and David Dellucci hit a three-run homer in a 15-9 win over Texas on Wednesday night, putting Cleveland in position for its first road series victory since taking two of three against the New York Yankees from May 6-8.
The Indians put up their biggest run total of the season and matched their best hit total with 17.
The Rangers, meanwhile, have surrendered 48 runs and 10 homers in their last four games. Their 5.10 ERA for the season ranks last in the majors.
Kevin Millwood (3-3, 4.50 ERA) now takes the mound for Texas after missing his scheduled start Wednesday to tend to a personal matter. He earned a win in his last outing, allowing one run and five hits while striking out five in six innings as Texas beat Oakland 3-1 on Friday night.
The veteran right-hander is 2-1 with a 4.12 ERA in three career starts against the Indians.
If Millwood struggles, Texas could be in trouble when it has to go to its bullpen. Rangers relievers have a 12.60 ERA in their last four games, spanning 20 innings.
"We've got to figure something out, do something different," Rangers catcher Gerald Laird said.
Texas recalled right-handers Kameron Loe and Elizardo Ramirez from Triple-A Oklahoma on Wednesday to help its overworked bullpen. But Ramirez - the 22nd pitcher used by the Rangers this season - gave up eight runs and nine hits in 2 2-3 innings in his AL debut.
Indians pitchers also have struggled this month, posting a 9.26 ERA in four games. They'll now hand the ball to reigning Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia (3-7, 4.72 ERA).
Sabathia faced Texas on May 25, allowing one run and five hits while striking out five in seven innings as Cleveland lost 2-1 in 10 innings. He is 7-2 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 starts against the Rangers.
The left-hander has lost two straight decisions. He gave up four runs and eight hits in eight innings as Cleveland lost 4-2 to Kansas City on Saturday night. He had surrendered just four runs over his previous 30 innings.
Sabathia will be facing a Rangers lineup that has scored 46 runs in its last five contests.
Texas' Milton Bradley has hit three home runs in his last two games. Josh Hamilton, meanwhile, increased his league-leading RBI total to 68 with a run-scoring single Wednesday, but his career-best streak of four straight games with a homer ended.
