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Carson and the Dodgers sink the Tribe

It was a fairly mundane, low-scoring affair until the ghost of Matt Carson appeared.

He stands alone, bat in hand.
He stands alone, bat in hand.
Rob Tringali/Getty Images

Dodgers 7, Indians 2

It is worth mentioning that letting Matt Carson walk at the end of 2014 will probably have a net-zero impact on the Cleveland Indians' chances in 2015. On this day, however, it guaranteed them a Spring Training loss. Clinging to a 3-2 over the Indians in the 8th, Matt Carson came to bat for the Dodgers against Anthony Swarzak. Swarzak came into the game having struggled mightily thus far in Spring Training. After getting a quick out, he proceeded to give up two hits and a walk before allowing a Grand Slam to Carson. At that point, any thought of a comeback was effectively ended and the Dodgers would go on to win 7-2. At this point, I think Swarzak has sealed his fate in regards to making the team.

Bruce Chen started on the mound for the Tribe, filling in for a flu-riddled Carlos Carrasco, and turned in a performance that was at once unsurprising and uninspiring. Over 4 innings he gave up 3 runs on 7 hits while walking one and striking out nobody. He looked about like you would expect Bruce Chen to look. The bright spots on the mound came from 2 innings from Josh Tomlin that saw him give up only a hit while striking out 4, as well as Cody Allen who pitched a perfect frame in the 7th.

The offense didn't see many of the expected regulars in the lineup, but the most encouraging by far was Jose Ramirez. Ramirez led off for the Tribe today and finished 3 for 4 on the day. Tyler Holt chipped in a single of his own to go along with a stolen base and a run, scoring off an Erik Gonzalez single. Jason Kipnis and Ryan Raburn were hitless on the day, though Raburn did manage to draw two walks. The only other real offense to speak of was from Jesus Aguilar, who pulled a double to left field in his only plate appearance late in the game.

It's also worth nothing that Giovanny Urshela was a late scratch to the lineup as he's still suffering from a sore back. And, if you missed it earlier, Zach Walters will miss a few weeks with a strained oblique, likely putting him on the outside looking in for the 25 man roster.