By ,
Published November 20, 2014
Ubaldo Jimenez tries to string back-to-back wins together this evening when the Cleveland Indians open a three-game series with the Oakland Athletics at the Coliseum.
Jimenez picked up his first win of the season on Sunday in Kansas City, but was not really impressive, as he allowed four runs and nine hits in five innings. He had allowed two runs in seven innings of a no-decision in his debut and is pitching to a 4.50 ERA on the year.
"The first three innings, it was hard to get in a good rhythm," Jimenez said. "I didn't have command with my fastball."
Jimenez faced the A's on one other occasion and did not get a decision, surrendering three runs and six hits in six innings.
Cleveland won for the fifth time in six tries on Thursday, as Jack Hannahan's two-run single in the ninth spoiled a beautiful outing from Seattle's Felix Hernandez in the Tribe's 2-1 win.
Hernandez pitched eight innings and gave up just five hits and a walk with 12 strikeouts, but Brandon League (0-1) blew the save in the ninth.
Carlos Santana worked a walk to lead off, Travis Hafner followed with a single and, following a sacrifice bunt, Shelley Duncan walked to load the bases. Hannahan then hit a single to left to score two runs for the final margin.
Chris Perez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning for his fourth save of the season.
Josh Tomlin (1-1) also pitched well as he got his first win of the season after giving up just one run on five hits with seven strikeouts over eight innings for the Indians, who have won five of six.
"I was able to work my pitches, I was able to throw my pitches for strikes and not get too cutter happy," said Tomlin. "I think having a good changeup today was key. I definitely feels good to have an outing like that."
Oakland, meanwhile, has won three in a row after a 4-2 win over the Angels on Thursday. Kurt Suzuki and Kila Ka'aihue each knocked in a run, while Tommy Milone (2-1) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk through five innings for the A's, who won despite recording just three hits.
Grant Balfour faced the minimum in the ninth inning to earn his fourth save of the season.
"Tonight, we were able to put the pressure on them. They made mistakes and we scored runs," said Milone.
Getting the call for the A's tonight will be righty Graham Godfrey, who has lost both of his starts and has pitched to a 4.09 ERA in doing so. Godfrey's latest setback came on Sunday in Seattle, as he surrendered five runs (three earned) and six hits in five innings.
He has never faced the Indians.
Cleveland was 5-2 last season versus the A's.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jimenez-hopes-to-keep-indians-on-track-against-as