Playing host to the Chicago White Sox continues to bring out the best in the Cleveland Indians.
After breaking out offensively to end their lengthy slide, the Indians try for an eighth consecutive home win over the White Sox on Saturday night.
Cleveland (12-17) batted .183, struck out 45 times and was outscored 33-13 during an 0-6 trip against San Francisco and the Los Angeles Angels, but pounded out 13 hits in a 12-5 rout of Chicago on Friday. The Indians have hit .303 while outscoring the White Sox 46-23 in their last seven at home.
Michael Brantley homered for one of his three hits and had three RBIs, and Carlos Santana also went deep for the Indians, who have won three in a row and five of six overall at Progressive Field.
"It was a good night offensively for us and we needed it," manager Terry Francona said.
Brantley is 13 for 28 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in his last seven games versus Chicago (14-16), which has dropped three in a row.
Santana is 6 for 15 with three homers and eight RBIs in four games after going 3 for 58 in his previous 16 contests. He's 11 for 23 with two home runs in his last six home games against the White Sox.
"He's such a good hitter and when he gets hot, it's not just singles," Francona said.
Justin Masterson (0-1, 4.84 ERA) pitched seven shutout innings in Cleveland's Opening Day win but has had some issues in his last five outings. The right-hander lasted a season-high 7 1-3 innings Monday, but gave up six runs in a 6-3 loss to the Angels.
"At least now I've got something to my credit," Masterson said of his first decision. "I got an 'L.' It's not as cool as a 'W,' but at least there's something there."
Masterson allowed four runs in 37 2-3 innings while going 4-0 over a five-start stretch against the White Sox before he yielded six runs, seven hits and walked five over 4 2-3 of a 12-6 victory April 12.
Chicago rookie Jose Abreu, who went 0 for 2 with a walk and a strikeout against Masterson last month, hit his MLB-leading 11th home run Friday. He's 4 for 20 with nine strikeouts against the Indians, but three of those hits left the park.
Fellow rookie Adrian Nieto had three hits with an RBI in the opener after going 4 for 21 in his first 10 games.
White Sox starter Scott Carroll looks to build on a stellar major league debut after he allowed two runs - one earned - over 7 1-3 innings of Sunday's 9-2 home victory over Tampa Bay.
"I couldn't have asked for a better showing," the 29-year-old Carroll said. "I know I was capable of it, but it's just awesome to finally get the opportunity and showcase my skills here at this level."
Chicago's Alexei Ramirez is batting an AL-best .356, and is 11 for 26 in his last six games versus Cleveland. However, he's hitting .176 (9 for 51) against Masterson.
It's uncertain if White Sox leadoff hitter Adam Eaton will play after leaving Friday's contest with a strained right hamstring.
