Houston, TX – Jason Giambi smacked a three-run home run and had five RBI, and the Cleveland Indians scored 14 runs in the first two innings and handled the Houston Astros with ease, 19-6, on Saturday.
Mark Reynolds also smashed a three-run shot and drove in four runs for the Indians, who snapped a five-game losing streak. Nick Swisher went 4-for-7 with a pair of RBI, all part of a 22-hit attack. It's the most hits for the Indians since getting 25 against the Yankees on April 18, 2009.
Michael Brantley drove in three runs while Carlos Santana had two RBI, with Santana hitting a solo homer in the victory.
Scott Kazmir, who had not played in the major leagues since April 3, 2011, got the start for the Indians and despite the overwhelming run support was unable to pick up the win. He lasted 3 1/3 innings and allowed six runs on seven hits and three walks.
"Up 10 runs, I guess its just one of those things when its my first time out there just got the best of me. I just wasn't able to pitch my game, I'm the type of guy that likes to pitch off my fastball," Kazmir said.
Ronny Cedeno drove in three runs while Brandon Barnes had a two-run homer and Brandon Laird hit a solo shot for the Astros.
Astros starter Philip Humber (0-4) was rocked, allowing eight runs and registered just one out before being replaced by Dallas Keuchel.
"It has been hard on the bullpen. We haven't exactly held up our end of the bargain this past few weeks or so. We have to do a better job," Humber said.
Swisher doubled in Jason Kipnis as part of the eight-run opening inning. Giambi followed with a two-run double to right-center, plating Asdrubal Cabrera and Swisher. Santana walked, setting up Reynolds' homer to left field. After a double by Lonnie Chisenhall and an infield single by Drew Stubbs, Brantley stroked a two-run double to center, and that ended Humber's night on the mound.
The Indians scored six more runs in the second. Swisher hit a single and later scored on a base hit by Reynolds. Swisher would end the onslaught with a double that brought Kipnis home and the Indians had a 14-0 advantage.
The Astros got on the board in the bottom of the inning. Carlos Pena doubled and advanced to third on a wild pitch by Kazmir. Ronny Cedeno grounded out to shortstop, but was able to bring Pena home. Matt Dominguez was next and he drew a walk prior to Barnes' homer to right..
Santana homered to start the third, but Laird's solo shot came with one out in the bottom of the inning. Cedeno had a two-out, two-RBI single, plating Chris Carter and Pena, both of whom were walked.
Giambi's three-run smash came in the fourth, scoring Mike Aviles and Swisher.
Santana tacked on one more run in the fifth, when he hit a two-out double that brought Aviles home.
Corey Kluber (1-0) shut out the Astros in the final four innings to seal the win.
Game Notes
Reynolds has 17 RBI this season ... Swisher had three doubles ... Giambi was walked twice ... Stubbs was 3-for-4... Every Indians player that started in the lineup recorded a hit ... The Astros recorded three errors ... Cleveland was 11-of-22 with runners in scoring position and left 12 men on base while Houston was 1-for-10 and left eight men on base ... Cabrera left the game in the first inning with a left wrist contusion.
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