Evan Longoria runs the bases after hitting a three-run home run off Indians starter Corey Kluber in the first inning. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
CLEVELAND — It might have been tough to script a better storyline Saturday for Erasmo Ramirez, who took the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays on a picture-perfect northern Ohio night with his countryman Dennis Martinez proudly watching from a club-level suite three stories above first base.
Martinez looked on as Ramirez retired the Indians in order in the second inning while praising the trade that brought Ramirez to the Rays, the improvements pitching coach Jim Hickey made with Ramirez and the responsibility Ramirez should feel by being the only Nicaraguan currently playing in the big leagues.