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Pirates, Indians continue set in Cleveland

Jun 18, 2011 - 3:02 PM (Sports Network) - Carlos Carrasco has pitched shutout ball over his last two starts, but pulling out wins hasn't been easy.

The right-hander has surrendered just eight hits over his last two outings, against the Yankees and Twins, but the Indians have won both games by 1-0 scores. Tonight, Carrasco tries to build on his momentum when he pitches against the Pirates in the middle test of a three-game series.

Carrasco, who is riding a 15 1/3-inning scoreless stretch, has never faced the Pirates in his career.

Paul Maholm has a personal shutout streak of his own, throwing 13 scoreless frames over his last two appearances against the Mets and Diamondbacks. He's 2-0 over his last four starts and hasn't lost since May 22 against Detroit.

Pitching a week before his 29th birthday, Maholm will face the Indians for the third time in his career. He's 0-1 with a 3.75 ERA.

Last night, Carlos Santana finished 3-for-4 with a solo shot to back Josh Tomlin's 6 2/3 solid innings in Cleveland's 5-1 win. Tomlin (8-4) allowed just one run on six hits and no walks for the Indians, who recorded just their fourth win in 15 contests.

"Great job by Tomlin, 20 out of 25 first-pitch strikes," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "That's how he's able to get people out and go deep into the game with a very nice pitch count."

Cleveland designated hitter Travis Hafner proved to be a spark in his return to the lineup from an oblique strain that put him on the DL since May 18. He had an RBI double and a walk in the win. The Tribe is in a virtual tie with Detroit for the AL Central lead.

Xavier Paul knocked in the lone run for the Pirates, who came into the game with a season-high tying four-game winning streak. They were also fresh off their first three-game sweep of the season in Houston.

Pittsburgh starter Kevin Correia (8-6) took the loss, allowing two runs -- one earned -- on four hits and three walks.

"He threw a few more pitches than he would have like to have to have his pitch count up in the 90s without finishing six," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "He gave us a chance to win a ball game, which he has done time after time, more often than not."

This is Pittsburgh's first visit to Cleveland since losing two of three games from May 19-21, 2006. Since interleague play began in 1997, the Pirates have posted a 15-13 record against the Tribe (3-7 on the road).