Talbot wins third straight; offense comes alive

Mitch Talbot is supposed to be the Indians' fifth starter this year. That's where he falls in the rotation, anyway. But after going 6 1/3 and giving up just one run in last night's 9-2 win over the Angels, Tabot is now 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA. He stopped the Indians' losing streak at two games, and his ERA is best among all five Tribe starters — and eighth-best in the American League. Those three wins he's got already this year are the first three of his major-league career. The kid's off to a great start.

The offense also came alive last night, pounding out 18 hits, including three from Austin Kearns, one of which left the yard. Kearns racked up five RBIs in this one, doubling his season total. Asdrubal Cabrera also had four hits.

The Indians and Angels play the rubber match tonight, and it actually starts at 7:05 Eastern, which gives working Clevelanders a chance to watch it. Jake Westbrook will try to turn around his poor start, facing off against Ervin Santana. At my house, we'll be watching American Idol for part of that time, but you can bet we'll be checking in. (For anyone who cares, I think Big Mike is toast.)