Indians split DH with A’s
Published 2:39 am Thursday, April 3, 2014
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Michael Brantley atoned for a rare error by hitting a two-run sungle in the ninth inning off new Oakland closer Jim Johnson that helped the Cleveland Indians salvage a split of a day-night doubleheader with a 6-4 win over the Athletics in the nightcap Wednesday.
Scott Kazmir (1-0) pitched 7 1-3 scoreless innings against his former team in his Oakland debut to help the A’s win the opener 6-1. They appeared to be on their way to a sweep when they took a 4-3 lead into the ninth with help from Brantley’s dropped fly ball.
But Johnson allowed back-to-back singles to Ryan Raburn and Nick Swisher to open the inning. After a one-out walk to Carlos Santana loaded the bases, Brantley grounded a single to right field to give the Indians the lead.
David Murphy added a sacrifice fly to end Johnson’s night to a chorus of boos. Johnson also allowed two runs in the ninth inning to take the loss on opening night and is 0-7 with a 7.94 ERA in 17 games against the Indians. More importantly for A’s fans he has lost twice since taking over from Grant Balfour as closer.
Cody Allen (2-0) pitched a scoreless eighth for the win and John Axford got three outs for his second save.
Mike Aviles added a two-run homer for the Indians, who now head back for their home opener Friday against Minnesota.