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Home runs and pitching lead Indians over Angels

Apr 12, 2011 - 5:28 AM Anaheim, CA (Sports Network) - Asdrubal Cabrera roped a solo homer in the first and Matt LaPorta added a three-run shot in the second as the Indians topped the Angels, 4-0, in the first of a three-game set at Angels Stadium.

Mitch Talbot (1-0) went eight-plus innings, allowing only five hits and walked a pair while striking out four. Vinnie Pestano closed out the ninth as the Indians won their eighth straight.

"Getting runs early helped," Talbot said. "I was a little more aggressive after that. I was locating my fastball and I am thrilled going eight shutout innings, but I really wanted to finish because my parents were here."

Tyler Chatwood (0-1) was charged for all four runs on four hits while walking four in his major league debut. Chatwood got the start because expected pitcher Dan Haren came in for relief during the Angels' 14-inning win over Toronto on Saturday.

"(Chatwood) got into a lot of hitting counts," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "He just couldn't get it in the zone and it hurt him in the second inning."

Michael Brantley flied out to center to open the game but Cabrera then roped his fourth homer of the season, this time over the center field wall, to give the Tribe the 1-0 lead.

Orlando Cabrera singled to center with one out in the second and after Austin Kearns doubled to put runners on second and third LaPorta plated them both to put Cleveland up 4-0.

Chatwood was pulled in the sixth and Francisco Rodriguez got through two solid innings, allowing only two hits. Rodriguez yielded to Scott Downs and Rich Thompson who both pitched hitless frames to close out the game for Los Angeles.

Talbot, who threw 112 pitches, was pulled after Bobby Abreu roped a double to left to begin the ninth. Pestano came in and sat down the Angels' 4-5-6 hitters in order to end the game.

Game two of the series will feature Fausto Carmona (1-0) for Cleveland as Haren (2-0) takes the hill for Los Angeles.

Game Notes

Abreu and Kearns recorded the only extra-base hits of the game...The Angels finished 0-for-5 with runner in scoring position, stranding six...Chatwood struck out three.