A's Chris Bassitt struggles again in 8-3 loss to Indians

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - Athletics starting pitcher Chris Bassitt continued a rough spring, allowing five runs and seven hits in 41/3 innings in an 8-3 loss against the Clevelend Indians on Monday.

Bassitt gave up three runs in the first inning but pitched out of a jam in the second.

“He’s had some innings when he struggles,” Athletics manager Bob Melvin said. “He is getting under his fastball.”

Bassitt pitched for the White Sox last season and came to Oakland with three other players for right-hander Jeff Samardzija.

Bassitt has allowed 12 runs in his past three outings.

“All the lefties are looking out over the plate and that is where my fastball is running,” Bassitt said.

“I have to be able to throw into lefties. I have to. I’ve destroyed right-handers and I’ve gotten by with left-handers until I got to this level.

“I have to come inside to show I can do it.”

Cleveland had seven left-handers in the lineup.

Pat Venditte, who can pitch with both hands, worked the eighth for Oakland. He pitched left-handed to two batters and right-handed to three. Venditte walked a batter and allowed a hit, but recorded his sixth scoreless outing.

Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer, his third of the spring, in the third inning against Bassitt. Lonnie Chisenhall went 3 for 3 and drove in two runs, and Michael Brantley had two hits.

Zach McAllister pitched four solid innings for Cleveland, allowing two hits and an unearned run. He struck out four and walked two.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Athletics: OF Sam Fuld is still being held out of games with a swollen jaw from being hit with a thrown ball.

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Athletics: LHP Drew Pomeranz and LHP Barry Zito are scheduled to pitch today against the Chicago Cubs.