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Stanford wins for first time since 2003 as Indians top Marlins

Jun 15, 2007 - 4:31 AM MIAMI (Ticker) -- While the Cleveland Indians were looking for a win, Jason Stanford was just happy to be in the majors again.

Stanford carried a shutout into the seventh inning in his first appearance in over three years as the Indians posted a 3-2 interleague victory over the Florida Marlins on Thursday.

Victor Martinez homered and Jason Michaels also drove in a run for Cleveland, which has won two straight after a three-game losing streak.

Taking the rotation spot of Jeremy Sowers, who was sent to Class AAA Buffalo on Sunday, the 30-year-old Stanford allowed a run and six hits in six-plus innings in his first appearance since April 15, 2004, and first major league victory since September, 26, 2003.

"It's been a very long time," said Sowers, who got lost on the way to the stadium and didn't arrive until 5:45 p.m. "I can't explain in words what I feel like or even what I felt like when they told me they were calling me up."

Stanford was 0-2 in 2004 for the Indians before being shut down and having reconstructive elbow surgery on July 29. The lefthander was 4-1 with a 3.41 ERA for Class AAA Buffalo this season.

"Jason was outstanding today," said Indians manager Eric Wedge, who wouldn't commit to giving Stanford another start. "You never really know what to expect. It's been a while since Jason's been up here but he went out there poised, under control and throwing strikes.

"He used his pitches and his rhythm and tempo was good. I can't say enough about what he did tonight here."

Stanford said, with two exceptions, he only threw his fastball and changeup the entire night.

"I'm not surprised that I pitched that well," Stanford said. "I've felt good all year. I've been pitching well in Triple-A. When I throw my fastball and hit my spots, I know my changeup is going to be there. That's pretty much what I'm capable of doing."

Stanford also struck out seven Marlins, a new career-high.

Stanford (1-0) lost his shutout bid in the seventh, when Josh Willingham led off with a double and moved to third on a single by Jeremy Hermida. After Stanford was lifted, Roberto Hernandez got out of the frame with the Marlins scoring only one run.

Rafael Betancourt pitched the eighth and closer Joe Borowski allowed a run in the ninth to record his 19th save in 21 opportunities. The game was interrupted in the ninth by a 61-minute rain delay.

Martinez led off the second by belting an 0-2 offering from Florida starter Dontrelle Willis deep over the left field wall for his 13th homer of the season.

"I got a pitch down the middle (and) in," Martinez said. "I just put a good swing on the ball and I always say when you put a good swing on the ball, anything can happen." "Victor got us going," Wedge said.

Florida nearly lost more than the game one inning later, when Grady Sizemore bounced a slow grounder to Marlins first baseman Aaron Boone, who attempted to flip the ball to Willis at the bag. The throw, however, went behind the Florida lefthander, who injured his pitching hand when it appeared to come in contact with Sizemore as he crossed the bag.

Willis, who was on the ground writhing in pain for several moments, stayed in the game after testing his arm from the pitching rubber.

"I turned around and the ball was behind me," Willis said. "I guess Sizemore ran into my hand, and my whole arm cramped up. I think it was more shock than anything. Once I was able to loosen it up was a lot better."

Michaels then promptly lined a single to right field, plating Sizemore to increase the lead to 2-0.

Cleveland increased its lead in the sixth when Martinez led off with a double, Jhonny Peralta was hit by a pitch and Franklin Gutierrez followed one out later with run-scoring base hit to left field to give the Indians a 3-0 lead.

Willis (7-6) allowed three runs - two earned - and eight hits in his third straight loss. He's only 2-4 at home, while 5-2 away from Dolphin Stadium this season.

"It was the second time on this homestand (that) Dontrelle deserved better," Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "But he's pitching very well."

"Willis is a tough pitcher," Wedge said. "He has great stuff. We did just enough against him. We took advantage of some opportunities and got some key hits."

Boone, Hanley Ramirez and Jeremy Hermida each had two hits and Miguel Cabrera scored his 400th career run in the ninth for the Marlins, who have lost four of five.