GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer and a sacrifice fly, leading the Cleveland Indians to an 8-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday.
Santana connected for his third spring homer in the third inning against Chris Bassitt. Lonnie Chisenhall went 3 for 3 and drove in two runs, and Michael Brantley had two hits.
“You don’t want the guys to play every day to start,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “Now that they’re playing two of three, they are in a rhythm. That’s good to see.”
Zach McAllister pitched four solid innings for Cleveland, allowing two hits and an unearned run. He struck out four and walked two.
“Zach comes out of the shoot pretty well. He maintained velocity,” Francona said. “He’s not overthrowing. He prepares so well.”
Bassitt was charged with five runs and seven hits in 4 1-3 innings, continuing a rough spring.
Bassitt gave up three runs in the first inning but pitched out of a jam in the second.
“He’s had some innings when he struggles,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. “He is getting under his fastball.”
Pat Venditte, who can pitch with both hands, worked the eighth for Oakland. He pitched left-handed to two batters and right-handed to three. Venditte walked a batter and allowed a hit, but recorded his sixth scoreless outing.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Athletics: OF Sam Fuld is still being held out of games with a swollen jaw from being hit with a thrown ball.
Indians: OF David Murphy has missed three days with a sprained ankle. He hurt it on Friday night on a play at first base against the Angels. ... OF Nick Swisher ran without knee braces in camp on Sunday. The next step will be to get at-bats in minor league games. ... Jason Kipnis has a sore lower back. He will resume on-field activities when the pain goes away. He is expected to make up at-bats in minor league games.
STARTING TIME
Athletics: Bassitt pitched for the White Sox last season and came to Oakland with three other players for right-hander Jeff Samardzija.
Bassitt has allowed 12 runs in his last three outings.
“All the lefties are looking out over the plate and that is where my fastball is running,” Bassitt said. “I have to be able to throw into lefties. I have to. I’ve destroyed right-handers and I’ve gotten by with left-handers until I got to this level. I have to come inside to show I can do it.”
Cleveland had seven left-handers in the lineup.
Indians: McAllister is trying to win a spot in the rotation. If he doesn’t get a starting job, he likely will be headed for the bullpen.
“I’ve competed. That’s what I’ve done,” McAllister said. “I feel I’m in a good spot mechanically. I don’t think about the competition. I just go compete.”
Indians coaches and front office staff are meeting Monday night to try to let players know where they stand.
“We have tough decision to make,” Francona said. “We will try to let them know as quickly as possible but we can’t do it before we know.”
UP NEXT
Athletics: LHP Drew Pomeranz and LHP Barry Zito are scheduled to pitch on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs and RHP Edwin Jackson.
Indians: LHP T.J. House will oppose Giants RHP Ryan Vogelsong on Tuesday. The Indians have LHP Scott Downs, RHP Bryan Price, RHP Jeff Manship and RHP Austin Adams set to follow House.
