Cleveland Indians Team Report - April 18th

(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians, who have dropped back-to-back decisions, open a four-game set against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field tonight.

Last night, Cleveland suffered a 6-4, extra inning setback to the Baltimore Orioles. Travis Hafner belted a three-run homer and Karim Garcia added a solo shot for the Indians, who have dropped six of their last eight. Cleveland, which surrendered two runs in the seventh, has been outscored by a 27-10 margin in the seventh inning and later this season.

Chad Paronto (0-2) threw just one-third of an inning and suffered the loss. He was charged with two runs and two walks.

Designated hitter Ellis Burks missed his second straight game Thursday with the flu and his status for Friday's game remains uncertain.

Ricardo Rodriguez gets the call tonight for the Indians and has been impressive through his first three starts, posting a 2-0 record with a 1.35 ERA. The rookie righthander yielded eight hits over seven innings in Sunday's 6-1 victory over Kansas City and has allowed just one run all three of his outings this season.

The 24-year-old Rodriguez didn't receive a decision in his lone career appearance against the White Sox, allowing one run and four hits over six innings in the 5-3 loss April 8.

Cleveland's 5-10 start is their worst since the 1992 season, when they also opened 5-10.

The Indians have scored only 51 runs this season, the second fewest in the American League.

04/18 13:19:39 ET