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Cabrera, Masterson carry Indians in rout of O's

Apr 16, 2011 - 5:58 AM Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - Asdrubal Cabrera hit a pair of two-run singles, as the Cleveland Indians pounded the Baltimore Orioles, 8-2, to start a three-game set at Progressive Field.

Travis Hafner belted a solo home run and knocked in two for the Indians who, snapped a two-game losing streak. Justin Masterson (3-0) was masterful in a seven-inning outing, as he gave up one run on four hits while striking out three.

"Throwing strikes is the biggest thing," Masterson said of his successful start. "Getting that first strike in there allows you to work on expanding the zone."

Luke Scott and Mark Reynolds each had an RBI for the Orioles, who dropped five straight after starting the season hot with a 6-1 record. Brian Roberts and Derrek Lee had two hits in the loss.

Baltimore starter Zach Britton (2-1) was tagged for five runs on eight hits in six innings to get his first career loss.

"I was a little disappointed ... I tried to make pitches, but they weren't good enough," Britton said.

The Indians had a big third inning where they had six straight hits and pinned four runs on the board. Matt LaPorta skied a triple high off the left field fence and Lou Marson singled to right to start the inning. Adam Everett and Michael Brantley then each singled to fill the bases. Cabrera then collected two RBI with a single and Shin-Soo Choo capped the six-hit burst with a bloop single to center.

Brantley came home on Travis Hafner's sacrifice fly, but Cabrera was called out at second to end the inning.

The Orioles got on the board during the next inning when Scott's single up the middle brought home Nick Markakis from second.

Hafner's third home run of the year put the Indians up, 5-1, in the sixth inning and they tacked on three more runs in the seventh. With the bases loaded, Cabrera ripped bouncer through the second base side to drive in Marson and Everett. Choo then launched a double off the high left field wall to score Brantley and chased Josh Rupe off the mound.

Rupe gave up all three runs while getting just one out in the seventh.

Baltimore tacked on a run in the ninth on Reynolds' RBI dribbler down the third base line and the visitors had the bases loaded with two out. However, Joe Smith got Cesar Izturis to fan to end the game.

Game Notes

Major League Baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson Day on Friday. All players wore his No. 42 in memory of the iconic Brooklyn star, who made his Major League debut in 1947...The Indians activated Smith from the 15-day disabled list on Friday...Masterson threw 90 pitches, 66 of them for strikes...Cleveland was 6-for-9 with runners in scoring position...Baltimore and Cleveland split six meetings a year ago. The Indians have won five of seven home games versus the Orioles.