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Salazar, Indians conclude set with Mariners

May 31, 2015 - 2:04 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Danny Salazar will try to lead the Indians to their third consecutive road series win as Cleveland concludes a four-game set with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

The Indians picked up their third win in four games on Saturday as Jerry Sands recorded a two-run homer to help Cleveland to a 4-3 win over Seattle. Although Jason Kipnis had his nine-game hitting streak snapped, the Indians were able to survive as Shaun Marcum limited the Mariners to two runs on five hits over 5 1/3 innings and Cody Allen held off the hosts late in the game to collect his 11th save of the campaign.

Sands was recalled from Triple-A Columbus on Thursday to replace first baseman Carlos Santana, who has missed the last three games while on paternity leave.

"It would be huge, especially the way the other guys are throwing the ball," Marcum said, "to just go out there and put up a quality start in that five hole. I think that's definitely very important. Hopefully, I can go out and continue to do that."

Robinson Cano cracked a two-run shot and Roenis Elias surrendered four runs on five hits and four walks over 5 1/3 frames for Seattle, which had won four of its last five contests coming in.

"I think we're close," Mariners catcher Mike Zunino said. "We're playing some really good clubs, facing some great arms the last couple days. It's one of those things. You've got to grind through those days, and once you get through those and you get tested, that's when everything takes off."

Cleveland goes with strikeout specialist Salazar, who has fanned 66 batters en route to a 5-1 record. Salazar has racked up 38 strikeouts in 30 1/3 innings this month. The right-hander went on a 10 1/3 inning scoreless run before allowing a three-run homer in Tuesday's 4-3 loss to the Rangers.

Salazar had to overcome issues caused by a cut on his middle finger when pitching his last time out. The injury, which affected his off-speed pitches, should not be too much of a factor in Sunday's game.

Seattle could very well bounce back if J.A. Happ continues to impress in Safeco Field, where he has gone 2-1 with a 2.05 ERA in four starts as a member of Seattle. Happ has also been stellar versus the Tribe, amassing a 2-0 record with a 1.29 ERA in three career matchups.

Kipnis, who is currently in second place in the AL batting title race at .338, is hitless in three at-bats versus Happ. Seattle's marquee second baseman Cano homered for the first time since April 14 on Saturday with a two-run blast in the third inning. Cano did not start Thursday or Friday due to flu like symptoms.

The Mariners went 4-2 against the Indians last season and the two clubs will meet again for three games in Cleveland from June 9-11.