Indians starting pitcher Justin Masterson wasn't particularly sharp to open the season Tuesday against the Blue Jays, but he was able to pitch out of trouble often enough to finish with a quality start and a win.
Masterson ran into his worst spot of trouble in the third inning, as he walked a pair of batters, after allowing a leadoff single, to load the bases with none out. His ability to get out of that jam with limited damage was indicative of his effort throughout the game. Masterson, holding a 2-0 lead at the time, induced a run-scoring double play and then struck out J.P. Arendibia to end the inning.
He ultimately allowed just the one run on three hits and four walks in six innings of work, while striking out five batters. Masternon earned the win, in a 4-1 victory. He tossed 103 pitches, 63 for strikes, and appeared to be close to midseason form. He averaged 92.76 miles per hour on his fastball, per BrooksBaseball.net, right in line with his average last season.
Masterson will make his next start Sunday against the Rays, a team that gave him plenty of trouble a year ago. Masterson allowed 12 earned runs in 8 2/3 innings against Tampa in 2012.