San Diego’s Trevor Cahill returned from the disabled list and held his own against former Cy Young winner Cory Kluber Tuesday afternoon.
The Indians ace struck out nine batters over eight frames and Cahill punched out four while navigating his way through 4.1 shutout innings.
But the Friars managed to scrape across one run against Kluber and San Diego’s bullpen did the rest to cement a 1-0 Padres victory.
The lone run came in the fifth, when Cory Spangenberg grounded into a fielder's choice and it was enough to score Padres designated hitter Hector Sanchez.
A huge turning point came in the second inning with one out and the Indians threatening with a runner on third base.
Lonnie Chisenhall bounced one back to Cahill who promptly took the out at first.
Jose Ramirez was cheating down the third base line and decided to head for home when he saw Cahill throw to Wil Myers. It turned out to be a bad decision.
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Myers whipped the ball to Padres catcher Austin Hedges who applied the tag in time to complete a rare "1-3-2" double play.
Cahill tossed 85 pitches before Padres skipper Andy Green decided to give the righty the rest of the night off.
The Oceanside native and Vista high school product was making his first start since May 13th after suffering a right shoulder strain.
The Padres bullpen helped Cahill out after he left the mound.
Five San Diego relievers combined to go 4.2 scoreless innings and allowed only one measly hit while striking out seven batters.
Jose Torres finished the fifth inning to earn the victory while Kirby Yates and Ryan Buchter each held the fort for three outs apiece.
All-Star Brad Hand then stuck out the side in the eighth before closer Brandon Maurer notched his 17th save.
Kluber pitched brilliantly but Cleveland’s offense gave him zero run support against his former franchise. He was a 4th round pick by the Padres back in 2007.
San Diego sends Luis Perdomo to the hill on Wednesday while the Tribe counters with Trevor Bauer.
First pitch from Cleveland is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.
