Indians' Carrasco wins first start since leukemia diagnosis

CLEVELAND (AP) — Carlos Carrasco started again. His inspiring comeback from cancer is complete.

More than a year since being stricken with leukemia, Carrasco struck out 10 in six-plus innings and José Ramírez homered twice as the Cleveland Indians clobbered the Kansas City Royals 9-2 on Sunday to win two of three in the delayed season-opening series.

Ramírez hit a three-run homer left-handed in the fourth and added a solo shot from the right side in the sixth for the Indians, who finally put some solid swings together against Kansas City's bullpen.

With his rotation currently thin due to pitchers testing positive for COVID-19, Royals manager Mike Matheny started reliever Ronald Bolaños (0-1), who gave up two runs in the first and took the loss.

Carrasco couldn't have imagined his journey when he took the mound on May 30, 2019, against the Chicago White Sox. Only days later, he was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia, a blood disorder that threatened his life.

But he's back in Cleveland's rotation, and the sight of him starting warmed everyone who has followed his feel-good return.

Carrasco was in command of the Royals from the outset. He allowed two runs and five hits before he was lifted after allowing a leadoff double in the seventh.

It's been a remarkable road back for the 33-year-old Carrasco, whose personal battle with the disease bonded his teammates and rallied Indians fans around the pitcher known as “Cookie.”

Carrasco's memorable on-field appearance at last year's All-Star Game led to an outpouring of support. “I Stand For Cookie” T-shirts became a fashion trend around town, and his return as a reliever late last season was the pinnacle of 2019 when the Indians failed to make the playoffs.

Before Sunday's game, Indians manager Terry...

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