The Indians, who were held to no hits through the first five innings against Luke Hochevar last Wednesday in Kansas City, wasted little time making sure there would be no repetition tonight against Hochevar — little time, as in, leadoff hitter Grady Sizemore doubled to right, Asdrubal Cabrera followed with a single to right, and Shin-Soo Choo’s fielder’s choice grounder got in a quick run, giving the Tribe an immediate lead after Justin Masterson set the Royals down in order in the top of the first.
Carlos Santana ended the initial frame by hitting into a double play, but at least Cleveland had drawn first blood.
Both teams were retired in order in the second inning, and in the third, Masterson completed a perfect first trip through the Royals’ batting order. Masterson had three strikeouts to this point, and had made it through three frames in 38 pitches.
In the bottom of the third, with one out, Jack Hannahan belted his third homer of the year to right-center, and the Indians had doubled their lead to 2-0. Sizemore was then hit by a pitch — but, as the HBP came with two strikes on Sizemore, it is unlikely that it was retaliation for the Hannahan homer.
Sizemore was caught trying to steal second, for out number two, and Hochevar got out of the inning without further damage.