Nolasco hopes to move past struggles against Indians

Published February 05, 2015

(SportsNetwork.com) - Few pitchers have been worse in the league this season than Minnesota's Ricky Nolasco. He tries to reverse his fortunes on Wednesday when the Twins continue a three-game set with the Cleveland Indians at Target Field.

Nolasco returned to the hill Friday against Kansas City for the first time since July 6 following a bout with flexor pronator stiffness and lost for the third time in four starts, as he surrendered five runs - all in the fourth inning - and seven hits in six innings to fall to 5-8 on the year to go along with a 5.99 ERA.

"He had the one bad inning," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Our catcher kept saying the ball was coming out of his hand good. So you have to listen to your catcher. So we have something to build off of here in his first start back. But I'm sure he's a little disappointed."

Nolasco has yet to record a decision in two starts versus the Tribe, but has pitched to a 7.20 ERA in those outings.

Cleveland, meanwhile, turns to lefty T.J. House, who hasn't pitched since losing in Cincinnati back on Aug. 7. House lasted six innings in that one and gave up four runs (3 earned) on eight hits to fall to 1-3 on the year with a 4.13 ERA.

House did not get a decision in his only other appearance against the Twins.

Cleveland drew first blood in this series on Tuesday, as Yan Gomes went 3- for-4 with a solo home run and three runs scored to help the Indians rally for a 7-5 win.

Tyler Holt and Zach Walters each drove in two runs for the Indians, who have won six of eight.

Trevor Bauer lasted just 4 2/3 innings in the start as he was tagged for five runs on four hits and two walks. Kyle Crockett (3-0) picked up the win for record two outs.

Oswaldo Arcia hit a three-run home run while Joe Mauer and Kennys Vargas each drove in a run for the Twins, who have lost their past three.

Kyle Gibson allowed five runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, while Brian Duensing (3-3) was handed the loss after giving up two runs in relief.

"There were times I didn't feel as comfortable as I should have," said Gibson. I was battling now and then but I don't know, I guess I just didn't stay as aggressive as I should have."

Cleveland has won six of its 11 matchups with the Twins this season.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nolasco-hopes-to-move-past-struggles-against-indians