GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Corey Kluber gave up one run on six hits and struck out six in his final spring start, helping the Cleveland Indians to a 4-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday.
In a match-up of opening day starters, Clayton Kershaw worked three scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out four.
Kluber will make his second straight opening day start against the Red Sox in Cleveland on Monday. Kershaw will start opening day for the sixth straight year at San Diego on Monday.
"It's nice to finish up and get your work in," he said. "Now, it counts."
The Indians scored two runs on a pair of RBI doubles off Carlos Frias, who took over for Kershaw in the fourth. Juan Uribe, a former Dodgers infielder, hit the first one to left field. Roberto Perez followed with another one to right.
The Dodgers, who scored in the second on a RBI single from Charlie Culberson, left for Los Angeles after the game. They play the Angels at Dodger Stadium on Thursday in the first of a three-game exhibition series.
STARTING TIME
Indians: Kluber, the AL's 2014 Cy Young Award winner, was 9-16 last season. His 16 losses tied him for the most in the American League.
But Indians manager Terry Francona is confident Kluber has a better team around him this season.
"If he pitches the identical way he did last year, I'll bet his won-loss record will be a lot different," Francona said.
Dodgers: Kershaw who will be the first Dodgers pitcher to make six consecutive starts since Don Sutton set the franchise record with seven.
Frias struggled in the fourth inning Wednesday.
Manager Dave Roberts said a hole in the mound was knocking Frias off balance. Once he adjusted, he settled down, Roberts said.
Frias is still in the mix for the starting rotation, said Roberts, who remains undecided on the fifth starter.
"That's still an open question in my mind," he said.
STILL LOOKING FOR LEADOFF
Roberts also leaves Arizona uncertain about who is his leadoff batter. Andre Ethier was a possibility, but that was before a fractured right leg put Ethier on the sidelines for 10 to 14 weeks.
"I haven't made that decision yet," Roberts said.
Chase Utley is an option, Roberts said. He was at the top of the order Wednesday.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Indians: OF Michael Brantley (right shoulder) is expected to resume hitting drills on Friday. Brantley will start the season on the disabled list.
Dodgers: It appears INF Corey Seager has recovered from a sprained left ankle. Roberts said Seager, who was off Wednesday, would start at shortstop on Thursday and play five innings against the Angels. .C Yasamni Grandal (right forearm) is expected to play in a minor league game Thursday in Arizona. Roberts hopes he'll join the club in Anaheim against the Angels on Saturday. . There's still no timetable on when INF Howie Kendrick (left calf) will be able to play. He will stay in Arizona for ongoing rehab. . LHP Hyun-jin Ryu also will stay in Arizona and continue to work his way back from shoulder surgery.
UP NEXT
Indians: They play at home Thursday in Goodyear, with RHP Carlos Carrasco set for his sixth spring start against Cincinnati Reds LHP Cody Reed.
Dodgers: They move to Dodger Stadium on Thursday with No. 2 starter Scott Kazmir set for his final spring appearance against the Angels and their No. 2 starter, Andrew Heaney, in match of left-handers.
