Grady Sizemore makes triumphant return to Tribe, helps Indians win 7th straight at home

By TOM WITHERS

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Grady Sizemore homered in his return for Cleveland after undergoing major knee surgery last year, leading the off-and-running Indians to a 4-2 win Sunday and series sweep of the Baltimore Orioles, who dropped their seventh straight.

Sizemore, Cleveland’s hustling All-Star center fielder and leadoff man, hadn’t played since last May, when he was forced to have microfracture surgery on his left knee.

He homered in his second at-bat off Brad Bergeson (0-2) and doubled in the fifth.

Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner also homered for the first-place Indians, who have won seven in a row at home and 11 of 13. Fausto Carmona (1-2) worked seven strong innings, allowing one earned run and five hits. Chris Perez pitched a 1-2-3 ninth for his fifth save.

Brian Roberts went 3 for 4 for the Orioles, who have lost eight of 10, effectively erasing their 4-0 start.

This was the day Sizemore had been building toward for months. He hoped to be back in time for opening day, but wasn’t quite ready when the Indians broke training camp. He started the season on the disabled list and playing in the minors.

“I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time,” Sizemore said before the game. “It’s finally here.”