BASEBALL
Cabrera swinging hot bat for Herd
INDIANAPOLIS — Asdrubal Cabrera is hitting like he’s in a hurry to get back to Cleveland.
The Buffalo Bisons infielder had another three-hit game, his third in a row, and scored a run Tuesday night in the Herd’s 3-1 victory over the Indianapolis Indians before 7,986 at Victory Field.
Cabrera, who was sent down by the parent Indians because he was batting only .184, raised his average with Buffalo to .456 after going 3 for 4 and reached another time when he was hit by a pitch. Cabrera is batting .542 (13 for 24) on Buffalo’s road trip. The Herd is 4-2 on the trip with two more games in Indianapolis, including a matinee today at 2 p. m. (Radio 1520 AM).
Tuesday night, the Bisons got yet another strong performance from their starting pitching. Veteran left-hander John Halama allowed only three hits and no walks over seven innings. The only Indy run came on a solo homer by Carlos Maldonado in the third inning. Halama then retired the side in order in three of the next four innings.
Tom Mastny pitched a 1-2-3 eighth and Jeff Stevens pitched the ninth and earned his fifth save, his third on the trip.
Buffalo pitching has allowed three or fewer runs and only 12 overall in the last seven games.
Jason Tyner led the Bisons attack with three hits, including a two-run double in the second against Indians starter John Van Benschoten, who suffered only his second loss in nine decisions.
Meanwhile, Cleveland signed 35-year-old infielder Tony Graffanino and right-handed pitcher Juan Rincon to minor league contracts. Both are likely to be assigned to the Bisons in the coming days. Also, the Tribe out-righted catcher Yamid Haad to Buffalo.
Jeff Harris (3-4, 5.18) will get the start for the Bisons against Bryan Bullington (3-6, 5.74) today.
