CLEVELAND — If this was Craig Breslow’s final appearance for the Boston Red Sox, the veteran left-hander went out in style despite a losing effort against the Cleveland Indians.
Breslow, making just his second career start, pitched well Saturday night but suffered the loss as the Red Sox fell to Corey Kluber and the Indians 2-0 at Progressive Field. Breslow, a 35-year-old reliever, is set to become a free agent this offseason after spending the last three-plus seasons with Boston.
The Red Sox have lost three straight games on the heels of a season-best six-game winning streak. One game now separates Boston from a very important offseason.
GAME IN A WORD
Overmatched.
While the Red Sox trotted out Breslow for another spot start, the Indians countered with the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner, who made good on the mismatch.
Kluber tossed eight shutout innings in which he surrendered just three hits. The right-hander struck out nine, walked two and hit a batter while finishing his season on an extremely positive note.
IT WAS OVER WHEN…
Carlos Santana and Ryan Raburn homered for the Indians.
Santana, whose hard-hit three-run double sparked the Indians’ 8-2 blowout Friday night, smoked another ball in the second inning Saturday. This time, it cleared the left field wall for his 19th home run of the season.
Raburn doubled Cleveland’s lead in the fifth inning with a solo homer of his own. He, like Santana, crushed it into the left field seats. It was Raburn’s eighth of the season.
ON THE BUMP
— The two home runs were the Indians’ only damage against Breslow, who otherwise pitched well.
Breslow allowed five hits over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out two and didn’t walk anyone while throwing 66 pitches (45 strikes).
The Red Sox probably didn’t anticipate back in spring training that Breslow would start two games down the stretch, nor would they want that to be the case. But the 10-year veteran did OK under the unique set of circumstances, as he pitched four scoreless innings in his first start last week.
— Matt Barnes, Tommy Layne and Heath Hembree combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief.
IN THE BATTER’S BOX
— The Red Sox had just three hits — all singles.
Sandy Leon had two and Travis Shaw had one.
*Yawn*
TWEET OF THE GAME
Ouch.
UP NEXT
One more game.
The Red Sox will play their 162nd and final contest of the 2015 season Sunday. Rick Porcello will pitch for Boston and Cleveland will counter with Danny Salazar.
The first pitch of the season finale is scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET.
Thumbnail photo via David Richard/USA TODAY Sports Images
