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For the most part the Indians have had outstanding pitching all spring in the offense-heavy Cactus League, and over the last week of games that's held up against regular-heavy lineups. Corey Kluber, who will be pitching Game 2 of the season in Oakland, went seven innings today, allowing two runs on five hits, with both runs and three of the hits coming in his final inning. Kluber struck out seven and walked one D-Back in his final tune-up, and while you can't assume spring training results will carry over to the regular season, you'll certainly take this over the alternative.
The Indians scored single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings to build a 3-0 lead, a lead that would hold up. Nyjer Morgan drove home the first run via an RBI single in the second inning, Jason Kipnis knocked home a run on a single in the third, and David Murphy doubled home a run in the fourth. It's good to see Murphy ending the spring strong, as he's struggled for most of the month.
Scrabble (aka Marc Rzepczynski) pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Scott Atchison (who perhaps will fill the Matt Albers role this year) finished up things in the ninth.
On a side note, Addison Reed made an appearance for the Diamondbacks in the ninth inning. Reed was the pitcher that gave up Jason Giambi's season-saving home run last September 24th, and was traded to Arizona in an off-season trade. The Indians do face the D-Backs in the regular season, so perhaps Giambi will face him at least one time.
Next Up: The Indians break camp and head to San Diego for the first of two exhibition games against the Padres at the University of San Diego. Game time is tomorrow (Friday) at 9:10 PM EDT.