Associated Press
The Grapefruit League …
ATLANTA ó Fausto Carmona can’t wait for the regular season to start.
Cleveland’s right-hander had his second consecutive good six-inning outing, allowing a run and four hits with a walk and two strikeouts in the Indians’ 7-1 win over the Atlanta Braves on Friday night.
Casey Blake had a two-run triple and Travis Hafner drove in two runs for the Indians. Grady Sizemore had a double and triple, and Ryan Garko also had two hits and an RBI.
Carmona, who was 19-8 last season with a 3.08 ERA, second best in the AL, is scheduled to start Wednesday against the Chicago White Sox in Cleveland’s second game.
In his last start, he gave up six hits and two earned runs in six innings in a 3-3 tie against Detroit.
“I’m ready for the season. I’m waiting for the season,” said Carmona.
The Braves run came in the third on a single and stolen base by Mark Kotsay, who scored on a two-out single by Kelly Johnson.
Atlanta starter Jair Jurrjens left after giving up a leadoff walk to Victor Martinez to open the fourth. He allowed two runs and two runs with two walks and three strikeouts. The right-hander, acquired in a trade with Detroit for shortstop Edgar Renteria in the offseason, is scheduled to start on Wednesday against Pittsburgh.
Pirates 3, Twins 1
At Fort Myers, Fla., Minnesota’s Francisco Liriano held Pittsburgh to one run in five innings before learning he will start the season in the minor leagues.
Manager Ron Gardenhire said he wanted the left-handed Liriano to get at least two starts to improve his conditioning and his fastball. At that point, the team will consider calling him up.
Orioles 4, Mets 3
At Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Orlando Hernandez gave up a run and four hits in five innings in his quest to win the fifth spot in New York’s rotation.
Baltimore’s Daniel Cabrera allowed two runs and three hits in five innings. He walked five and struck out two.
Blue Jays 3, Phillies 1
At Philadelphia, Toronto’s Aaron Hill hit a two-run homer off Cole Hamels on a cold, windy night with the temperatures hovering in the 40s.