Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians Just Miss No-Hitter in 5-1 Victory Over Houston Astros

Hagadone allows solo home run in ninth to Lowrie, loses team’s no-hit bid

In the grand scheme of things, there will be more important pitches that

will want back, but for the time being, this will be the one. With the Cleveland Indians two outs away from a combined no-hitter, the Houston Astros

took Hagadone deep to end the bid–and the shutout. But in the end, the Tribe got the win on a great start from

while the offense finally came to life. The strength of the pitching staff has lived up to its billing thus far.

Tribe skipper Terry Francona goes against the grain by carrying an extra arm in the bullpen, leaving the bench short. Not an uncommon move in the National League, but an odd one in the AL with the DH. The absence of Nick Swisher–who remains on the DL to start the season–is likely the reason for the move. Plus early in the season, you don’t like to have pitchers stretch out too far in colder conditions. It will be interesting to see how long they go with the deep bullpen.

Opening Day: Act II. Seven more teams will have their home openers today, our Indians included. The Tigers come in, having a lively start with the bats while the Indians pitchers have done a great job of missing them. What gives? Is this the start of the changing of the guard in the Central?

The Twins Ricky Nolasco had a poor start in his season debut, and now the Twins fear it could be due to injury. With his velocity down, Nolasco headed back to Minnesota to have his elbow looked at by doctors. No word on the potential issue is expected until sometime later on Friday.

These stories and more that you might have missed:

‘Bauer pitches lights out in 5-1 Indians’ win’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Extra reliever means Indians’ bench is thin’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Why you should watch all seven of Friday’s home openers’ – Cut4

‘#TBT: Cleveland Indians’ 1948 starting lineup’ – Wahoo’s on First

‘Twins’ Ricky Nolasco to have exam on elbow’ – Puckett’s Pond

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