Sizemore 3-for-3 in win; Pirates lose a marathon

ASSOCIATED PRESS

PHOENIX — Grady Sizemore was back to his usual self Monday, racing around the bases to score for the Cleveland Indians.

Sizemore went 3-for-3, scored twice and drove in two more to lead Cleveland to a 9-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox in his second game back after a groin injury.

Sizemore, recovering from a strained left groin, is slated to play center field against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday.

Sizemore helped the Indians rough up White Sox starter John Danks, who allowed six runs, five earned, and eight hits in two innings.

Victor Martinez also went 3-for-3 with two RBIs for the Indians. Andy Cannizaro also had three hits, including a solo homer.

Cleveland’s Fausto Carmona allowed three runs and five hits in three innings. He struck out one and walked one.

“I was very pleased with the way he threw,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “He was aggressive and kept the ball down in the strike zone.”

Chicago’s Chris Getz hit a three-run, inside-the-park homer in the second inning. Getz was helped along when Indians center fielder Ben Francisco fell down on the warning track while trying to pick the ball up in right-center field.

Red Sox 15, Pirates 14

BRADENTON, Fla. — Jon Lester threw 57 pitches in his third spring training start, and a makeshift Boston lineup outslugged the Pirates in a 10-inning game that lasted 4 hours, 10 minutes.

Lester lasted 21‚Ñ3 innings, allowing four runs — one earned — and four hits. He struck out two and walked one.

“The good news was he got stretched out. He had to work a little bit,” Boston manager Terry Francona said. “He continues to look strong. I think he threw two cutters today, so starting to incorporate that into what he’s doing. But he looks fine.”

Boston’s lineup did not include a single position player who is expected to start on opening day. The Red Sox are short-handed because of injuries and the World Baseball Classic.

Josh Bard hit a three-run homer. Nick Green and Dusty Brown each had a solo shot.

Brad Wilkerson, a non-roster invitee who’s competing for the fifth outfielder job, hit a grand slam off Pittsburgh reliever Chris Bootcheck.

Pirates starter Tom Gorzelanny pitched two-plus innings, giving up five runs — four earned — and two hits, both of them homers.

“The results weren’t there, but I feel pretty positive about the strides I made today,” Gorzelanny said. “I’m tightening up mechanics.”

Pirates outfield prospect Jose Tabata, in his first game since recovering from a sore right shoulder, went 3-for-3 with two doubles and four RBIs. He ripped a two-run double in the ninth to tie it 14-all.