Davis throws 6 shutout innings in Tribe victory

3/25/2005

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - Maybe Jason Davis doesn't belong in the Indians' bullpen after all.

Davis, who began last season as Cleveland's No. 2 starter and ended it a converted reliever, pitched six shutout innings to lead the Indians to a 3-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds last night.

It was the second straight strong outing by a Cleveland starter. On Thursday, Scott Elarton blanked Los Angeles for six innings.

The Indians aren't exactly sure what to do with Davis, who, when on his game, has possibly the best stuff on Cleveland's staff. The long-term plan is to make him a closer. In the meantime, he's scheduled to get a few starts in April while C.C. Sabathia recovers from an injury.

Davis allowed two hits, walked two and struck out six, including his final four batters.

Cincinnati's Paul Wilson, slated to pitch opening day against the New York Mets, didn't allow an earned run in six innings but took the loss.

However, the right-hander deserved a better fate.

Two errors - one fielding, one throwing - on the same play by Cincinnati second baseman Luis Lopez gave the Indians a 2-0 lead in the fifth.

Wilson mixed in every pitch he throws during his longest stint of the spring.

Casey Blake went 2-for-2 and Jhonny Peralta had an RBI single for Cleveland.

NOTES: As expected, the Indians placed Sabathia on the 15-day disabled list. He injured his side earlier this month and is not expected back until mid-April. The club also optioned RHP Kaz Tadano to Triple-A Buffalo.