Grady Sizemore was in the Indians’ lineup for the first time since last May this afternoon against the Arizona Diamondbacks, and while Grady went oh-for-two with a ground out and a pop out to center, the day would have to be considered to be an unqualified success, just to have the three-time All Star back in action.
The Indians added to the good feelings with a 5-3 victory over a split Arizona squad, the Tribe’s third straight win, lifting Cleveland to 10-11 in the Cactus League.
Mitch Talbot was the starter and winning pitcher for the Indians, going 5.1 innings and surrendering only one earned run. Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp and Chris Perez finished up, with Chris getting his first save, striking out three in an inning-and-a-third.
Luis Valbuena hit his fourth homer of the exhibition campaign, while Travis Buck drove in two runs. Orlando Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo each had one RBI as part of the Indians’ nine-hit attack.
So all is well for now in the Cleveland baseball universe. Tomorrow the Tribe takes on the Kansas City Royals in a 4:05 matchup.