Jimenez, Valbuena help Cleveland salvage split

Associated Press

chicago

Luis Valbuena had a a big zero in the home-run column, and it was bothering him.

He can rest easy now.

Valbuena connected for a solo shot and Ubaldo Jimenez threw six effective innings, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 7-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Valbuena also singled twice and scored two runs as the Indians collected 14 hits. Trevor Crowe had three singles, and Jason Donald and Lonnie Chisenhall added two hits apiece.

“I feel good because I was working all day in the cage and made an adjustment,” Valbuena said.

Valbuena drove an 0-2 pitch from Will Ohman over the wall in right in the sixth, making it 4-2 Tribe. It was Valbuena’s first extra-base hit and RBI this season. He entered the game just 5 for 34 on the season at the big league level despite hitting .302 in 113 games for Triple-A Columbus.

“He’s tough to read because he’s never looked overmatched, but the numbers don’t add up,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He was our best hitter in Triple-A the whole year. ... Today he had a very good day. I’m happy for Luis because he’s had enough hard times up here the last two years.”

Valbuena especially enjoyed his first major league homer since April 16, 2010.

“I’m so happy because I don’t want to see the zero there,” Valbuena said.

Crowe entered the game hitless in seven at-bats. After starting 106 games in the outfield for Cleveland in 2010, Crowe had shoulder surgery on March 30 and was activated on Wednesday.

“It was good to see him do that,” Acta said.