Grady Sizemore returns as Cleveland Indians defeat Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 – MLB Update
American League’s Cleveland Indians took their revenge as they defeated rivals Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3 in their second Cactus League spring game at Goodyear Ballpark in Arizona on March 20.
Grady Sizemore made his spring debut as designated hitter after undergoing micro-fracture surgery on his left knee on June 4.
The three-time All-Star Sizemore, expecting to play as centre-fielder on Tuesday, opened the inning for the Indians making two base hits in the first inning against the Diamondbacks’ starter Armando Galarraga. Indians’ manager Manny Acta seemed content with
Sizemore as he praised him citing his recovery.
"I've never had an actual timetable because when you look at nine to 10 months of rehab, it is tough to predict when you get to a certain point," Sizemore said. "I would have liked to be playing earlier than this, but I'm pleased. I hope to start playing
every other day."
Indians’ short-stop Luis Valbuena added another homer to his spring record off Galarraga, who ended up on 0-3 with 7.94. Again he could not put his best during the game, as he pitched five innings and allowed five runs on six hits while he struck-out just
one batter. However, he still has strong backup in the shape of Diamondbacks’ pitching coach Charles Nagy, who admired him.
"He had real good stuff, but got out of rhythm," Nagy said. "Inconsistency is the big thing with him. When he puts his pitches in the zone, he's good."
Randy Rodriguez, David Hernandez and Carlos Rosa did not consume any run, instead Rosa, vying for a spot in team, struck-out two in one inning. Rosa has cemented his room in the club as he held opponents scoreless in six of his seven outings and owns a 2.70
ERA with nine strike-outs.
Indians’ starter Mitch Talbot, making his fifth start of spring, permitted two runs in just over five innings while he struck-out two. The 25-year-old closer Chris Perez impressed the officials with just one inning striking-out three without allowing any
hit. He was accompanied by Tony Sipp who pitched less than an inning while striking-out one.
First baseman Travis Buck, a non-roster invitee blistered a two-run double. Buck has had a good spring and there are chances that he could have space in the opening day squad. Centre-fielder Michael Brantley had one run on one hit in three at-bats. Infielder
Shin-Soo Choo and Chad Huffman both scored one run each.
For Arizona, infielder Brandon Allen, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and second baseman Tony Abreu made one run each to post Diamondbacks three-runs. Arizona launched all hits for a double. Second Baseman Abreu, sixth in averages in spring, had .354 and
eight RBIs.
Indians will play their next game against the Kansas City Royals with pitcher Josh Tomlin as scheduled pitcher who will face Royals’ Luke Hochevar. Arizona will travel to Salt River Fields to take on Los Angeles Dodgers Tuesday.
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