Raburn homer helps Tribe top Reds again

Associated Press

Goodyear, Ariz.

Ryan Raburn hit a two-run home run off Homer Bailey to lead the Cleveland Indians to its second straight win over the Cincinnati Reds, 4-0, Friday.

Lonnie Chisenhall, who is trying to hold on to the starting third base job in Cleveland, walked to set up Raburn’s second-inning drive off Bailey, who tossed his second career no-hitter last season.

Indians likely closer Jon Axford walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning.

Cleveland’s competition for the No. 5 starter’s role is picking up. Josh Tomlin followed Carlos Carrasco’s sharp outing Thursday with a solid appearance of his own Friday — two hits and two strikeouts in two innings.

“The way Carrasco pitched yesterday and Tomlin today, I hope we have a tough decision by the end of spring,” Indians manager Terry Francona said.

Trevor Bauer and Aaron Harang are also in the mix for the final spot in the Indians’ rotation.

Cleveland scored two runs off Robert Stephenson in his first major league spring appearance. Stephenson was the Reds first pick in the 2011 draft.

Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick hit consecutive singles in the fourth off Josh Tomlin for two of the Reds’ three hits.

Reds’ closer Aroldis Chapman struck out all three batters he faced.

STARTING TIME

Indians: Zach McAllister pitched two scoreless innings, walking one and striking out one. He has already secured a spot in Cleveland’s rotation.

“He was as advertised,” Francona said. “I’m sure as the spring goes on he’ll be sharper but he was pretty good today.”

Reds: Bailey’s only hit allowed in two innings was Rayburn’s homer.

“I was off a little,” said Bailey who signed a six-year, $105 million contract Feb. 20.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Reds: Reserve infielder Jack Hannahan had surgery to repair a torn labrum immediately after last season. He is hitting in the batting cage and building arm strength. ... Right-hander Mat Latos played long toss on Thursday and participated in pitcher’s drills that do not require him to cut and plant on his left knee that required meniscus surgery on February 14.

Indians: Right-hander Frank Herrmann, recovering from right elbow-reconstruction surgery, will throw a simulated game on Sunday.

IN THE MIX

Tomlin spent the first four months of 2013 recovering from right elbow-reconstruction surgery. he then pitched 291/3 innings for several teams in the Cleveland system, including two with the Indians, as part of his rehab.

“My arm feels good. That’s what I’m taking from this,” Tomlin said.