Tribe’s Axford 18 for 18 on Oscar picks

3/4/2014

SURPRISE, Ariz. — After converting 49 consecutive saves from 2011 to early 2012, John Axford has another streak going.

The Indians closer went 18 for 18 on his Academy Awards picks.

Axford made the projections after the Indians' game Sunday on his Facebook page. Last year Axford was correct on 14 of his 15 Oscar selections; he picked Steven Spielberg as best director for Lincoln and Ang Lee won for Life of Pi.

"It was fun," Axford said Monday. "I was following it online, not even watching it on TV. I was getting updates from people on Twitter. 'You're 3 for 3, 5 for 5.' It was pretty neat. By the time it got to 14 for 14, I said, 'Wow, I picked 14 right last year.' It definitely got a little more intense after that. When it got 16 for 16, I assumed I had it locked."

There are 24 Oscar categories, and Axford said he will predict them all next year.

Axford, who was born in Canada, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in film and television from Notre Dame.

"I hope he's as good when it comes to saves," Indians manager Terry Francona said.

INDIANS 6, RANGERS 5: Texas right-hander Colby Lewis did not get out of the first inning in his first start since having hip surgery in August.

Lewis, who won 14 games in 2011, allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. He retired only two of the six batters he faced. He has not pitched in the majors since July 18, 2012.

Jeff Francoeur hit a two-run, two-out, two-strike single to end Lewis' outing after 32 pitches.