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MIA@HOU: Zambrano gets Altuve for the shutout

The Indians welcome the Marlins for the start of Interleague Play on Friday in the middle of a nine-game homestand, and the Tribe is on a roll.

In first place in the American League Central at 22-16, the Indians won in walk-off fashion Thursday against the Mariners, 6-5, in 11 innings on Carlos Santana's bases-loaded single. The Tribe has taken four games in a row, sweeping two-game series from the Twins and Mariners.

On Friday, right-hander Justin Masterson tries to bounce back after letting up six runs in as many innings to the Red Sox his last time out. Masterson hit three batters.

For the Marlins, right-hander Carlos Zambrano will be trying to keep his momentum going, despite the 1-2 record he has to show for his 1.88 ERA.

Zambrano gave up two runs, one earned, in seven innings against the Mets on Sunday, a game the Marlins won, 8-4.

"I'm just having fun," Zambrano said. "I'm enjoying my time here in Miami, and it's everything I was looking for."

"I don't want to say he's back to the top of his game, but very close to that," Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen said of Zambrano. "He's showing people he can still pitch."

Guillen's options at designated hitter in the AL ballpark are the left-handed-hitting Greg Dobbs and right-handed-hitting Austin Kearns, as well as regular left fielder Logan Morrison.

Marlins: Hopeful for 2015 All-Star Game
With Major League Baseball announcing on Thursday that Citi Field will be the site of the 2013 All-Star Game, Marlins Park could be moving closer to landing the Midsummer Classic as early as 2015.

The 2014 game will likely be played in an American League park, before shifting back to the National League.

"We're definitely excited to host the All-Star Game, whenever the Commissioner deems it appropriate," Marlins president David Samson said. "We're hopeful it's going to be soon."

South Florida has never hosted the All-Star Game.

Indians: Brantley coming on strong
Michael Brantley struggled early in the season, but he's found himself of late. He went 0-for-5 Thursday, but started the day on a tear. From April 25 through Wednesday, Brantley hit .326 (29-for-89) with nine doubles and 10 RBIs in 22 games.

"When he gets guys on base, he can pick up those cheap RBIs and then give you quality at-bats when guys are in scoring position with two outs," manager Manny Acta said. "He can start a rally if he's leading off the inning. He's very versatile for us, and I value his at-bats."

Worth noting
• The Indians' Travis Hafner was hit by a pitch for the 80th time in his career on Thursday, surpassing Nap Lajoie (79) for sole possession of the all-time club record.

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