Indians Relieved to Use Anderson

Cleveland reliever Brian Anderson was torn emotionally before the World Series. The former Angel left-hander wanted to pitch, but as a long reliever, he knew his opportunities probably would be limited to those times when the starting pitcher was struggling.

“If I’m in the game, that means we’re not doing very well,” Anderson said. “I’ll try to be ready, but I’m sure most people don’t want to see me in the game.”

They didn’t mind Wednesday night. Anderson replaced starter Jaret Wright in the seventh inning of Game 4 and gave up only one hit the rest of the way, striking out two and walking none in recording the save in Cleveland’s 10-3 victory over the Marlins.

The relief performance was in stark contrast to Tuesday night’s Game 3, in which six Indian relievers gave up nine runs, seven in the ninth inning, and 10 hits in three innings of a 14-11 loss.

“I just didn’t want to go into the prevent defense like [Tuesday] night,” Anderson said. “I didn’t want to let them go downfield and score a touchdown.”

The Indians had a 7-3 lead when Anderson started pitching and when they tacked on three more runs in the seventh and eighth, Manager Mike Hargrove let Anderson finish.

“That was the last thing I expected to do,” Anderson said. “When I came out after the eighth, Sandy [Alomar, Indian catcher] told me that if they come down to take you out, don’t let them. You’re throwing strikes and getting people out.”

Because Anderson pitched three innings and finished the game, he was credited with the save.

“Any time I’m getting a save, something is wrong,” Anderson joked. “And a save in a seven-run game? Dude, that’s ridiculous.”

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Hargrove said Thursday that Charles Nagy, who was roughed up for five runs and six hits in six innings of Game 3, would be his starter if the series went to Game 7. But Hargrove sounded more tentative than definitive.

Considering Wright’s Game 4 performance--the 21-year-old rookie from Anaheim gave up three runs and five hits in six innings Wednesday night--Hargrove will consider bringing Wright back on three days’ rest for Game 7.

“We may have a decision to make, but right now it’s Nagy,” Hargrove said.

“There are some things we want to look at, and how Jaret bounces back plays into it. We have the option of bringing him back, but in Game 7, everyone is available.”