Carlos Carrasco returns to starting rotation, leads the Cleveland Indians to win 9-2 against the Kansas City Royals

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Indians welcomed pitcher Carlos Carrasco to his initial rotation after more than a year of recovery, hindsight and relief appearances following his diagnosis of leukemia in May 2019.

Carrasco made sure it was worth the wait on Sunday when he pitched seven innings and dominated the Kansas City Royals in a 9-2 Indians victory at Progressive Field. He said that keeping his emotions under control early was a big part of his success.

“My emotions were really strong today because … I just waited for this moment,” Carrasco said. “Just thinking about how I will pitch was the key today because when I arrived at the stadium this morning, I was very happy to be back in the rotation.”

José Ramírez made sure Carrasco was victorious by shooting a pair of home runs for his thirteenth multiple-homer game. Later, Ramírez said he was excited to see his teammate on the mound in an early role.

“I am grateful for all the work he did, and the most important thing that he can return and compete as he does,” said Ramírez through interpreter Agustín Rivero.

Carrasco withdrew the first 10 Royals hitters he faced and did not allow a hit until Adalberto Mondesi doubled in the fourth inning. He struck out 10 Kansas City hitters and gave up just one walk in his first start since May 30 last season.

Sunday’s departure was vintage Carrasco. He hit the side in the sixth inning, hitting 93mph with his fastball even after overshadowing 80 pitches. It was the twenty-fifth double-digit strikeout game of his career, tying him for fifth place in club history with Trevor Bauer.

“He established his fastball early and then when he does, that’s where the speed comes from and it really gave them a bad time,” manager Terry Francona said of Carrasco’s departure. “It was good to see him.”

Francona said she doesn’t want to disrespect him when he says there was nothing out of the ordinary at the start of Carrasco on Sunday.

“It seemed to me he was just taking the ball to win, and I mean that as a compliment,” said Francona. “I don’t mean ho-hum. I mean he was very professional about it. ”

Ramírez scored four times and drove four runs with three hits. One of them was a line drive to the right for a single in the third inning, and he ran to third base on an error by Franchy Cordero. In the fourth, Ramirez hit a three-run homer to seats in right field against Royals reliever Kevin McCarthy. He added a shot from the free kick post on the left against left-hander Richard Lovelady in the sixth.

The four runs scored tied Ramírez’s personal record and marked the fifth time he homered from both sides of the plate in the same game.

“I was able to run today,” said Ramírez. “I was able to have a clear plan and put the barrel on the ball. I think it all came as I got ready for the game. “

Even though Cleveland’s offense only scored two runs in its first two games, Francona said it knows key hitters like Francisco Lindor and Carlos Santana will soon come to the plate. Lindor doubled Ramírez in third place for his first extrabasic and RBI hit of the season.

“In the meantime, I thought Domingo balanced the bat very well,” Francona said. “At first, Franmil (Reyes) cut that ball in the opposite direction to right field for a base hit to take us to the board. There were many good things today. “

The Royals, whose initial pitching rotation has been decimated by positive COVID-19 tests, started rookie Ronald Bolaños in a bullpen game, and the Indians took advantage early. Cleveland scored a couple of unearned runs in the first against Bolaños when Ramirez hit the third base throwing error Erick Mejia and came home with a single powered by Reyes.

Carlos Santana, who had walked with two outs, then scored on a single powered by Domingo Santana, who was sent off trying to advance to second position on the play.

The singles by Reyes and Domingo Santana were the first hits of two RBI Indians of the season. The club was 3-of-17 with runners in scoring position after two games, but had four hits in seven at-bats on Sunday.

Francona said she was happy to see Domingo Santana step in and contribute.

“He is a guy who can heat up and shoot, he has the ability to carry the top of the order,” said Francona. “I don’t want to get in his way. We would like to give you a chance to warm up. “

Bradley Zimmer added a run in the seventh with a sacrifice fly to left field by Carlos Santana. Santana had walked and moved to third by a double from Domingo Santana.

Carrasco started the seventh inning, but left the game after giving up a double lead to Maikel Franco, who barely topped Zimmer’s glove in the center. Oliver Pérez relieved Carrasco and struck out Ryan McBroom and Mejía before Phillips started. The appearance marked Pérez’s eighteenth major league season, the most players born in Mexico in league history.

Next: The family home continues as the Indians welcome the White Sox to Progressive Field for the first of three games on Monday. Cleveland will send right-hander Aaron Civale to the mound, while right-hander Dylan Cease receives the go-ahead from Pale Hose. The first release is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. and the game will air on SportsTime Ohio, WTAM 1100 AM, and WMMS 100.7 FM.

New Indian face masks for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial liners for coronavirus protection, including a mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds donated to charities.

More Indian coverage

Civale was determined to finish what started in the 4-1 Indian squad victory

Logan Allen, Scott Moss reassigned to Eastlake and 3 more things we learned on Friday

Are Carrasco, Clevinger ready to roll for the Indians next week? Podcast

Indians sign 2020 draft pick Tanner Burns of Auburn to $ 1.6M deal

Carlos Carrasco goes five innings and Bradley Zimmer home runs – again

Oliver Pérez, Carlos Santana keep rolling and 4 other things about the Indians

Francona’s message to the Class of 2020: ‘Find what your passion is, take it with both hands’

Bradley Zimmer makes it hard to miss

MLB Network to Stream Indians vs. Exhibition Game Pirates on July 18

Yu Chang, Bradley Zimmer continue to puree at summer camp: Podcast

Mike Clevinger wrestles on in-school Wednesday; Bradley Zimmer, Yu Chang home run

Tyler Naquin continues to advance and 4 more things about the Indians