Texas @ Cleveland preview
Progressive Field
Last Meeting ( Jun 12, 2013 ) Cleveland 5, Texas 2
Corey Kluber isn't going to let an ailing hip slow him down. The right-hander looks to continue his home dominance on Friday when he takes the mound for the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a three-game series with the struggling Texas Rangers. Kluber, who is riding a 12 2/3-scoreless innings streak, has posted a 3-0 mark over his last five home starts.
The Rangers witnessed firsthand how dominating the Lone Star State native can be after Kluber matched a career high by tossing eight sizzling innings in a 5-2 triumph on June 11. Texas, which dropped a 2-0 decision to the New York Yankees on Thursday afternoon, has mustered just 28 runs en route to losing nine of its last 12 contests. Offense certainly wasn't the issue for Cleveland, which erupted for 10 runs against Seattle on Wednesday to salvage the finale of its seven-game road trip.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, KTXA (Texas), STO (Cleveland)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Rangers LH Martin Perez (3-3, 3.40 ERA) vs. Indians RH Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.69)
After winning three of his previous four starts, Perez has struggled in his last two trips to the hill. The 22-year-old Venezuelan has permitted nine earned runs in 12 innings in a pair of losses. Perez has made one relief appearance against the Indians, walking the only batter he faced. He has allowed all five of his homers on the road.
Kluber registered his second straight scoreless outing in his last trip to the mound - with the latter appearance earning him a no-decision versus Minnesota on Saturday. After scattering three hits in a 3-0 win over Kansas City on July 12, the 27-year-old did the same versus the Twins while also striking out seven. Kluber has kept the ball in the park, permitting just four homers in his last eight starts and 11 overall this season.
WALK-OFFS
1. Texas OF Nelson Cruz (4-for-23) and 3B Adrian Beltre (6-for-28) struggled during the team's seven-game homestand.
2. Cleveland OF Michael Bourn, who belted his first career grand slam on Wednesday, has hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
3. Indians SS Asdrubal Cabrera went 4-for-8 with a homer, four RBIs and four runs scored in his last two games.
PREDICTION: Indians 4, Rangers 2