The Cleveland Indians pulled off the last-minute victory on Friday afternoon, as they defeated the Cincinnati Reds 11-10 at Goodyear Stadium in Goodyear, Arizona. It was one of four Spring Training games that kicked off the weekend.
The Reds jumped out to a commanding lead early, posting five runs in the top of the first. Joey Votto got things going with an RBI single that scored Shin-Soo Choo. Ryan Ludwick then stepped in and, after a wild pitch that scored Brandon Phillips, reached on a walk. The Indians starter, Givoanni Soto, would be pulled before he could get out of the top of the first.
With Cincinnati already up 3-0, Fernando Nieve came in to replace Soto. The first batter he faced was Ryan Hanigan, who doubled home a pair of runs to give the Reds their 5-0 lead. But the Indians were determined to not let things get out of hand.
Nick Swisher, who was instrumental in the Yankees' 2012 postseason, put Cleveland on the board in the bottom of the first, with a single into center. He would score moments later, as Michael Brantley doubled to center to send Swisher in.
With the score tied 5-5 in the bottom of the third, Lonnie Chisenhall belted a two-run home run to right field. Cleveland had battled back from an early deficit and was suddenly in the lead. But Cincinnati wasn't about to be out done.
The Reds got the long ball working as well in the fifth inning, as Miguel Olivo sent one over the left-center wall to put the Reds within a run. They tacked on two more before Devin Mesoraco hit the second home run of the inning to left field, giving the Reds a 10-7 lead.
Cleveland wouldn't stay down though, as Ryan Raburn let his bat do some magic with a home run to left field. It closed the gap to just two runs, before they were able to shut it down in the final inning.
With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Mike McDade cleared the bases with an RBI double. Ryan Raburn, Jesus Aguilar, and Tim Fedroff scored to give the Indians an 11-10 victory.
These same two teams play again on Saturday, with Cincinnati having the home field. First pitch is set for 3:05 PM Eastern, with Brett Myers taking the mound for Cleveland. He will be opposed by Alfredo Simon for the Reds.
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