HOUSTON -- After right-hander Trevor Bauer went six no-hit innings against the Astros on Thursday, the Indians' bullpen took over, but closer Nick Hagadone could not complete the feat after allowing a one-out homer to Jed Lowrie in the ninth inning of the Tribe's 5-1 win.Bauer threw 111 pitches in his season debut, allowing five walks while striking out a career-high 11 batters. Kyle Crockett (seventh) and Scott Atchison (eighth) each tossed a no-hit frame before Hagadone allowed the Astros' lone hit and run.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Bauer outage: For the first time in Indians history, a pitcher was removed from a game after the fifth inning with a no-hitter intact. Bauer was overpowering, but effectively wild, pushing his pitch count well over the century mark. He kept Houston's hitters guessing throughout the afternoon, leaving it to the bullpen to finish on his historic path.Oh no, Wojo: Making his first Major League appearance, right-hander Asher Wojciechowski struggled with his command and couldn't get out of the fifth inning. He went four-plus innings and gave up four runs and eight hits, including homers to Roberto Perez and Jose Ramirez while throwing 88 pitches.Inside job: In the second inning, Perez drove a pitch from Wojciechowski to right field, and Yan Gomes attempted to score from second. Astros right fielder George Springer made a perfect throw to the plate, and Gomes looked to be out by a few steps. But Gomes then made a quick move to the inside of the plate, sliding just beyond the reach of Houston catcher Hank Conger for the Tribe's second run.SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
• Bauer's pitching line was extremely unique in terms of baseball history. It marked the first time since at least 1914 that a pitcher struck out at least 11 with no hits allowed in no more than six innings of work.• Cleveland starter Carlos Carrasco struck out 10 batters in Wednesday's win over the Astros. Combined with Bauer's showing, Cleveland had starting pitchers turn in double-digit strikeout games in consecutive April games for the first time since April 15-16 in 1966.
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