Indians 19, Astros 6
Jason Giambi drove in five runs and Nick Swisher had four hits as visiting Cleveland scored 14 runs in the first two innings to sprint away from Houston.
Giambi, Mark Reynolds and Carlos Santana homered for Cleveland, which ended a five-game losing streak in which they scored 11 runs. Reynolds finished with four RBIs and leadoff hitter Michael Brantley drove in three as every Cleveland starter had at least one hit and scored at least one run.
The early run support provided a more comfortable season debut for Indians left-hander Scott Kazmir, who was making his first major-league appearance in more than two years. He couldn’t qualify for the victory after lasting 3 1/3 innings, however, allowing six runs and seven hits as Corey Kluber (1-0) pitched the final four innings to earn the victory.
Houston starter Philip Humber (0-4) recorded one out before he was pulled after Brantley’s two-run double during his second at-bat of the inning made it 8-0. The Indians tacked on six more runs in the second and three in the fourth on Giambi’s three-run homer.
Ronny Cedeno drove in three runs while Jose Altuve and Brandon Laird had two hits apiece for the Astros. Laird and Brandon Barnes homered for Houston.
GAME NOTEBOOK: Giambi's homer was the 431st of his career, tying him with Cal Ripken Jr. for 42nd on the all-time list. Giambi has homered in every stadium in which he has ever appeared and against every team. … Swisher tied a career high for hits in a game and runs (three) and set a career best with three doubles. …. Humber is the third pitcher since 1920 to allow at least eight hits and eight runs in one-third of an inning or less.