GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Mike Napoli had two hits and drove in a run, helping the Cleveland Indians beat the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in spring training on Tuesday.
Jose Ramirez also had two hits and drove in a run, and Juan Uribe doubled in his first at-bat with the Indians. Francisco Lindor had a sacrifice fly.
“You can tell even in batting practice that Uribe gets to the ball quick,” Cleveland manager Terry Francona said.
Uribe signed with Cleveland on February 28 and is expected to play third most of the time. He went 1 for 3 as the designated hitter against the Mariners.
“We want to get him in playing shape before we put him in the field,” Francona said.
Mariners right-hander Nathan Karns allowed two runs, one earned, and five hits in three innings. Karns was acquired in a November trade with Tampa Bay and is competing for a spot in Seattle’s rotation.
“Nathan wasn’t as sharp today,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “The defense helped him. We like him a lot.”
Mike Zunino, Daniel Robertson and Ed Lucas each drove in a run for Seattle.
Cleveland right-hander Trevor Bauer pitched three solid innings, yielding one run and one hit. The 25-year-old Bauer went 11-12 with a 4.55 ERA last year, establishing several career highs.
IN CENTER
Nori Aoki started in center for Seattle. Aoki played a lot of center in Japan, but has made just 21 appearances at the position in the majors, including 14 starts.
STARTING TIME
Mariners: Karns yielded a leadoff double to Ramirez in the first, but second baseman Shawn O’Malley caught him rounding second on a wide throw from the outfield. He pitched out of trouble in the second, and then allowed two runs in his last inning.
“I was having trouble with my curveball,” Karns said. “My arm is lagging behind. The defense got me out of trouble.”
Indians: Bauer struck out two and walked two.
“I tried to throw 98 and failed,” Bauer said. “Last year I was 93-94 because I didn’t work on speed. I worked on command and ended up walking as many as I did the year before. I want to throw hard this year because it’s fun.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Mariners: RHP Evan Scribner was scheduled to have his sore lat muscle examined on Tuesday. RHP Ryan Cook also has been slowed by painful lat muscle.
Indians: RHP Zach McAllister has been out with the flu. He returned to camp on Tuesday but wasn’t expected to work out. … OF Michael Brantley (shoulder) has been cleared to take batting practice. … RHP Craig Stammen (elbow) is throwing all of his pitches off the mound.
UP NEXT
Mariners: RHP Taijuan Walker will pitch for the Mariners when they host the Royals on Wednesday. Matt Strahm is expected to start for Kansas City.
Indians: RHP Corey Kluber starts for Cleveland on Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs. RHP Jake Arrieta pitches for the Cubs in a battle of Cy Young Award winners.
