DETROIT — Trevor Bauer gave Cleveland’s beleaguered bullpen a bit of a break.
Bauer struck out 10 in eight sparkling innings, and the Indians beat the Tigers 6-0 on Wednesday, avoiding a three-game sweep in Detroit. The scuffling Indians lead the AL Central despite a .500 record, and this easy win was certainly welcome for Cleveland after a pair of losses to the injury-plagued Tigers.
The Indians’ bullpen ERA is an unsightly 5.68, but only one reliever pitched Wednesday — Cody Allen in the ninth.
“We certainly needed that,” manager Terry Francona said. “We wanted to pitch Cody — because he hadn’t pitched in three days and we have the day off tomorrow — but we got to stay away from everybody else and let them take a deep breath.”
Bauer (3-3) retired his first 12 hitters, and Michael Brantley hit his sixth home run of the season.
Reds 6, Giants 3
SAN FRANCISCO — Scooter Gennett homered a half-inning after the second baseman saved two runs with a diving catch on a difficult popup, helping Cincinnati avoid a sweep by San Francisco.
