The Cleveland Indians took on the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Arizona in their first Spring Training game and settled for a 3-3 tie.
While a tie is not the result anyone hoped, coming up with a 3-3 tie is not the worst way the game could have ended up.
The Indians were able to pull ahead early thanks to a Tyler Naquin home run in the second inning. This was quickly followed up by a two-out RBI double from Ryan Flahery, who drove in Roberto Perez.
Cincinnati answered back with a two-run home run from Matt Kemp in the fourth to tie the game at two. The Reds pulled ahead with a sacrifice fly from Kyle Farmer in the fifth, making the score 3-2. Jose Siri would score on the play.
The Indians scored the final run of the game thanks to an Eric Haase sacrifice fly. Daniel Johnson scored for Cleveland after walking in his only at-bat of the game.
Indians pitching notes
Adam Plutko was stellar in his Spring Training debut. Pitching two innings, not allowing a baserunner and striking out one.
The only issue for the Indians pitching staff was the 1.1 innings from Asher Wojciechowski. Wojciechowski allowed all three Cincinnati runs in the game. The three hits allowed were more than any other Cleveland pitcher combined. The only other Tribe pitcher to allow a hit was Josh Smith in the eighth inning.
The more notable performance from the Cleveland bullpen was that of Jefry Rodriguez. The six-foot six right hander tossed two innings and only allowed one baserunner, which was a walk. Rodriguez could very well end up with a spot in the bullpen if he is able to continue putting together performances like this.
Indians hitting notes
It was a rough day for some bats the Indians will rely upon when the regular season starts. Jake Bauers and Jose Ramirez went a combined 0-5. Although Bauers was able to reach base with a walk in the fifth.
The outfield had a good day at the plate. Tyler Naquin went 1-2 at the plate with the aforementioned home run in the second. Greg Allen was able to manage one hit in three at-bats on the day. Naquin and Allen figure to get their fair shot at a starting outfield job this upcoming season.
Roberto Perez managed one hit and called a pretty good game from behind the plate today.
Ryan Flaherty impressed in this debut, going 2-2 with a two-out RBI double. Flaherty could make the team as a valuable utility player rather than a regular contributor.
Cleveland takes on the Arizona Diamondbacks Sunday at 3:05 P.M.
