Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) – Josh Tomlin pitched into the eighth inning in his major league debut and Matt LaPorta provided enough support with two RBI, as Cleveland downed the Yankees, 4-1, in the continuation of a four-game series from Progressive Field.
Tomlin (1-0), who was filling in for the injured Aaron Laffey, baffled the Bombers over seven-plus innings. He scattered three hits and did not walk a batter while striking out two.
The young right-hander was charged with a run in the eighth after giving way to Cleveland’s bullpen, but got the better of former Indians ace CC Sabathia (13-4), who gave up four runs (two earned) on nine hits and three walks in seven innings.
Sabathia lost for the first time in more than two months and was seeking his 150th career victory. The All-Star lefty had come out on top in each of his previous nine decisions and was unbeaten in 11 straight starts since falling to the Mets on May 23.
Alex Rodriguez again failed to deliver career home run No. 600 — and on his 35th birthday. He finished 0-for-4 and has now gone without a homer in five games since hitting No. 599 versus Kansas City last Thursday.
The three-time American League MVP bounced out to short in his final at-bat with two out in the ninth representing the tying run. Chris Perez picked up his 10th save as a result as New York was dealt only its second defeat in the last seven games.