Lindor, Urshela rake in big frames for Indians

March 21st, 2016

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Giovanny Urshela launched his team-leading fifth home run of the spring, capping off a five-run seventh inning that pushed the Indians to a 9-4 Cactus League victory over the White Sox on Monday afternoon at Goodyear Ballpark.
With the addition of veteran Juan Uribe, Urshela appeared ticketed for Triple-A Columbus for Cleveland, but that has not stopped him from turning in a stellar spring. His latest offensive outburst came in the seventh, when he sent a pitch from Chicago Minor Leaguer Matt Lollis deep to right-center for a two-run, opposite-field blast to the berm beyond the wall.
Left fielder Melky Cabrera paced the White Sox offense with a home run and a double -- both coming off hard-throwing Indians righty Carlos Carrasco.

Carrasco, who entered the afternoon with a 2.00 ERA this spring, allowed three runs on six hits in his four innings. He struck out four and walked none in his latest tune-up for the regular season. Carrasco is expected to be the No. 2 starter behind Corey Kluber.
"I think the big thing is he stayed aggressive," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "Even when they got some hits early, he stayed aggressive. I thought he threw some real good sliders, especially to the right-hand hitters. He made a couple mistakes and we maybe didn't finish some plays, but I thought he felt good enough to stay aggressive and stay at them."
Righty Scott Carroll, who is fighting for a spot in Chicago's bullpen as a long reliever, got the start against Cleveland and spun three shutout innings. The White Sox built a 1-0 lead with Carroll on the hill and had a 4-0 advantage through 4 1/2 innings, thanks in part to Cabrera's homer and an RBI single by Todd Frazier in the fifth.

Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor knocked in a run in a two-run fifth and a mix of players came through in a five-run push an inning later. Backup catcher Roberto Perez contributed an RBI double, outfield candidate Collin Cowgill chipped in a two-run double and then Urshela belted the homer.
"Hitting a ball that way, you haven't seen him do that too often," Francona said. "That was good to see. He's feeling pretty good about himself, as he should."

Playing in his second game of the spring, Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (right shoulder surgery in November) went 0-for-2 with a walk in his bid to be ready in time for Opening Day. Veteran Marlon Byrd -- in camp as a non-roster invitee -- doubled twice in his second game for Cleveland.
Up next for White Sox:Mat Latos makes his first Cactus League start as part of the White Sox, after doing all of his previous work in side sessions or while pitching in B games, against the Giants at 3:05 p.m. CT on Tuesday at Camelback Ranch. Avisail Garcia also is expected back in the starting lineup. Watch the game live on MLB.TV
Up next for Indians: Following an off-day on Tuesday, the Indians will host the World Series champion Royals on Wednesday in a 4:05 p.m. ET Cactus League clash at Goodyear Ballpark. Right-hander Danny Salazar, who projects to be Cleveland's No. 3 starter, is scheduled to work five innings. Closer Cody Allen is also penciled in to pitch. The game will be broadcast live on SportsTime Ohio and MLB.TV.