By Marc Katz,

Staff Writer

Updated 11:42 AM Wednesday, November 2, 2011

DAYTON — Frank Robinson works out more at age 76 than he did during his hall-of-fame baseball career, which was marked with many significant milestones.

Robinson was the first black manager in the big leagues, the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, a Triple Crown winner and the centerpiece in arguably the worst trade in Cincinnati Reds history.

He’ll talk about all of that and more Saturday night during the Schear Family Heart In Sports Community Conversation with hall-of-fame baseball writer Hal McCoy at the Dayton Marriott.

Two recent bouts with a racing heart beat made Robinson a good subject for the Heart In Sports talk, but the guy who slugged 586 career home runs (ninth all-time) while hitting .294 over 21 seasons claimed he did it all with little offseason exercise.

“When I was younger, they had different measurements for you to get in shape,” Robinson said this week from his Los Angeles-area home.

“We didn’t have a lot of offseason training. As a matter of fact, we just kind of took it easy, or we worked (at other jobs) during the off-season. We went to spring training to get in shape.”

Robinson, now an adviser to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, certainly was in shape in 1956 as a 20-year-old rookie when he hit .290 with 38 homers and 83 RBIs. He led the National League with 122 runs scored.

“I never gave it any thought about longevity in baseball until I was in it for about 10 years,” Robinson said. “My thinking was just try to get five years in. After that, I said, ‘Well, why not 10?’ After that, why not 20? You had to get 20 years in to be fully invested in the pension plan at that time.”

At one point, he thought he’d be with the Reds for life, but on Dec. 9, 1965, he was traded to Baltimore for pitchers Jack Baldschun and Milt Pappas plus outfielder Dick Simpson. Reds owner Bill DeWitt, trying to justify himself, uttered Robinson was “an old 30,” even though he was coming off a season of 33 homers, 113 RBIs and a .296 batting average.

The old guy hit .316 with the Orioles, adding 49 home runs and 122 RBIs to capture the American League’s Triple Crown. He won the league MVP award and helped Baltimore to a world championship.

Robinson wasn’t so old, and he still didn’t work out in the offseason the way today’s players do.

“I don’t know if that’s good or bad,” he said.

“Players today work in-season, they work offseason. I did a little more when I got to be about 30, but I didn’t do any real weight training at any time. I was pretty well developed as far as my muscles were concerned.

“What I should have done, and I know now, I should have done more stretching. I’m doing a lot more stretching now and I’m doing things with my body I couldn’t do even when I was younger.”

As for the trade, Robinson surmises he might have gained a reputation as a troublemaker. As an elder on the team, he became a spokesman and said he would cover for teammates by telling management any complaints were his.

Otherwise, he was quiet and was overshadowed in the National League by contemporaries Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente.

“Yeah, I’m with those guys,” he said. “But I’m always mentioned fourth. That’s OK. Team goals were more important to me.”

Obtained by the Indians in 1974, Robinson was surprised to be offered a job as player-manager the next season. He wanted to decline, but his agent let him know how important it was to break that color barrier.

The move cost him a chance at 3,000 hits and 600 home runs.

“I didn’t play much as a manager,” said Robinson, who last managed in 2006 (Nationals). “Even today, I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t managed, I would have made it to 3,000 and 600, but that’s OK.”

By Marc Katz,

Staff Writer

1:24 AM Wednesday, November 2, 2011

DAYTON — Frank Robinson works out more at age 76 than he did during his hall-of-fame baseball career, which was marked with many significant milestones.

Robinson was the first black manager in the big leagues, the only player to win the MVP award in both leagues, a Triple Crown winner and the centerpiece in arguably the worst trade in Cincinnati Reds history.

He’ll talk about all of that and more Saturday night during the Schear Family Heart In Sports Community Conversation with hall-of-fame baseball writer Hal McCoy at the Dayton Marriott.

Two recent bouts with a racing heart beat made Robinson a good subject for the Heart In Sports talk, but the guy who slugged 586 career home runs (ninth all-time) while hitting .294 over 21 seasons claimed he did it all with little offseason exercise.

“When I was younger, they had different measurements for you to get in shape,” Robinson said this week from his Los Angeles-area home.

“We didn’t have a lot of offseason training. As a matter of fact, we just kind of took it easy, or we worked (at other jobs) during the off-season. We went to spring training to get in shape.”

Robinson, now an adviser to baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, certainly was in shape in 1956 as a 20-year-old rookie when he hit .290 with 38 homers and 83 RBIs. He led the National League with 122 runs scored.

“I never gave it any thought about longevity in baseball until I was in it for about 10 years,” Robinson said. “My thinking was just try to get five years in. After that, I said, ‘Well, why not 10?’ After that, why not 20? You had to get 20 years in to be fully invested in the pension plan at that time.”

At one point, he thought he’d be with the Reds for life, but on Dec. 9, 1965, he was traded to Baltimore for pitchers Jack Baldschun and Milt Pappas plus outfielder Dick Simpson. Reds owner Bill DeWitt, trying to justify himself, uttered Robinson was “an old 30,” even though he was coming off a season of 33 homers, 113 RBIs and a .296 batting average.

The old guy hit .316 with the Orioles, adding 49 home runs and 122 RBIs to capture the American League’s Triple Crown. He won the league MVP award and helped Baltimore to a world championship.

Robinson wasn’t so old, and he still didn’t work out in the offseason the way today’s players do.

“I don’t know if that’s good or bad,” he said.

“Players today work in-season, they work offseason. I did a little more when I got to be about 30, but I didn’t do any real weight training at any time. I was pretty well developed as far as my muscles were concerned.

“What I should have done, and I know now, I should have done more stretching. I’m doing a lot more stretching now and I’m doing things with my body I couldn’t do even when I was younger.”

As for the trade, Robinson surmises he might have gained a reputation as a troublemaker. As an elder on the team, he became a spokesman and said he would cover for teammates by telling management any complaints were his.

Otherwise, he was quiet and was overshadowed in the National League by contemporaries Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Roberto Clemente.

“Yeah, I’m with those guys,” he said. “But I’m always mentioned fourth. That’s OK. Team goals were more important to me.”

Obtained by the Indians in 1974, Robinson was surprised to be offered a job as player-manager the next season. He wanted to decline, but his agent let him know how important it was to break that color barrier.

The move cost him a chance at 3,000 hits and 600 home runs.

“I didn’t play much as a manager,” said Robinson, who last managed in 2006 (Nationals). “Even today, I don’t regret it. If I hadn’t managed, I would have made it to 3,000 and 600, but that’s OK.”

CLEVELAND — Before the game, Asdrubal Cabrera tossed tennis balls to his 3-year-old son, Meyer, who hit them around the field while wearing dad’s No. 13.

Dad did the same thing to the Cincinnati Reds.

Cabrera went 5-for-5 with two homers and a career-high five RBI Sunday as Cleveland completed a three-game sweep of Cincinnati, beating the reeling Reds 12-4 to, at least for the moment, grab bragging rights as Ohio’s best team.

Cabrera hit a two-run homer in the first inning against Edinson Volquez (3-2) for the Indians, who did early damage after winning the series’ first two games with late-inning comebacks. Cabrera added a solo homer in the sixth to give Cleveland an 8-4 lead.

“He was a one-man show at the plate,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He was unbelievable. He was on every pitch, and he has played like an All-Star for us since Day 1.”

Michael Brantley, Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo — the top three hitters in Cleveland’s lineup — went a combined 10-for-12 with six runs and nine RBI as the Indians, seen more as a contender than early season surprise, moved 14 games above .500 for time since 2007.

With its first sweep of the Reds in seven years, Cleveland improved baseball’s best record to 29-15 — 18-4 at Progressive Field, tying the best home start in franchise history.

“They are tough at home,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “They are playing good baseball. Whatever they needed, they got this series.”

Carlos Carrasco (3-2) allowed four runs in six-plus innings, handing the Reds their fifth consecutive loss. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce hit solo homers against the right-hander, who was lucky several line drives were hit at Cleveland fielders.

“We hit four, five, six balls well that on other days would have been doubles,” Cincinnati outfielder Chris Heisey said. “That’s baseball. You get days where you nub three or four and they go for hits. But Cleveland made some good plays.”

After horsing around on the field with Meyer, who insisted his dad pitch to him outside and not in the indoor cages, Cabrera’s day against the Reds didn’t start well. The steady shortstop made a throwing error on Drew Stubbs’ grounder leading off, but he more than made up for it with his first five-hit, multihomer game. Cabrera also had an error in the sixth, but it didn’t cause any harm.

The Indians missed Cabrera in 2010, when they lost 93 games. He was out two months after breaking his left forearm in a collision with former Indians third baseman Jhonny Peralta. Other than that, the 25-year-old Cabrera has been everything the Indians could have hoped for since they called him up in the 2007 playoff stretch.

Now healthy, there isn’t a shortstop in the AL playing better.

“We think he’s one of the best at his position,” Acta said. “We’re glad we have him.”

Cabrera’s name rarely, if ever, gets mentioned in discussions about the league’s top shortstops. It might be time he’s included in those conversations. He’s batting .302 and leads the team with nine homers and 32 RBI. This month, he’s batting .360 with four homers and 15 RBI in 18 games.

“I’m just trying to do good things for the team,” said Cabrera, who doesn’t worry about outside attention. “I’m just thinking about trying to win the game and do what I can do. And have fun.”

The weekend series began ominously for Cleveland. On Friday, the club placed designated hitter Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a strained side muscle, a move that came a few days after Grady Sizemore went on the disabled list with a bruised right kneecap.

Those were the first major signs of trouble for the Indians, who have shaken off losing two major pieces and continue to win despite any lingering doubters.

“We’ve got a good team,” Cabrera said. “We know it, and we just want to keep it going.”

The Reds were within 8-4 in the seventh and had two runners on with none out, but Chad Durbin came on for Carrasco, struck out two and worked out of the jam.

The Indians then blew it open in their half on RBI doubles by Jack Hannahan and Brantley, Cabrera’s run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly by Choo.

As has been the case all season, Volquez was in an early hole — and this time, the Reds helped him dig it.

The Indians scored four runs in the first against the right-hander, who has an 18.00 ERA in the first inning, perhaps the main reason he has trailed in all 10 starts.

Brantley led off with an infield single, and Cabrera hit his eighth homer to make it 2-1. Choo followed with a double and moved up on a groundout before Travis Buck walked. With Orlando Cabrera batting, Buck broke for second, but stopped and got into a brief rundown.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips chased Buck, but missed the tag before throwing home. Catcher Ramon Hernandez attempted to get Choo at third, but his throw sailed over Scott Rolen’s head and rolled to the wall, allowing Choo and Buck to score easily.

Votto gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with a 431-foot shot into the bleachers in left-center, an area rarely reached by left-handers. It was the reigning NL MVP’s sixth homer — first since April 27.

Notes: Cleveland didn’t win its 18th home game in 2010 until July 16. … Aroldis Chapman, on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, will make a rehab start today with Triple-A Louisville. Pitching coach Bryan Price said Chapman’s control problems stemmed from him over-rotating his shoulder during his delivery. … Indians trainer Lonnie Soloff said Sizemore will increase baseball activities the next three days. Soloff deemed it an “important milestone” in Sizemore’s recovery. … Indians right-hander Josh Judy made his major league debut in the ninth. … The “Ohio Showdown” series drew 99,086 — the Indians’ highest weekend attendance since the final week in 2008.

Published 12:33am Monday, May 23, 2011

The Associated Press

CLEVELAND — The Cincinnati Reds’ 10-game road trip is off to a woeful start.

Asdrubal Cabrera went 5-for-5 with two homers and five RBIs as the Cleveland Indians completed a three-game sweep with a 12-4 win Sunday over the reeling Reds, who for the moment have lost bragging rights as Ohio’s best team.

“Whatever they needed, they got this series,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said of the Indians, who are 14 games over .500 for the first time since 2007. With their first sweep of the Reds in seven years, they improved to 29-15 — 18-4 at home.

Cabrera hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Edinson Volquez (3-2) as the Indians did early damage after winning the series’ first two games with late-inning comebacks.

“The first two games, we had a chance to win,” Baker said. “Not today.”

The Indians scored four runs in the first against the right-hander, who has an 18.00 ERA in the opening inning and trailed in all 10 starts.

“It’s not frustrating, I just have to get better,” Volquez said.

Carlos Carrasco (3-2) gave up four runs in six-plus innings, handing the Reds their fifth straight loss.

“We hit four, five, six balls well that on other days would have been doubles,” Reds left fielder Chris Heisey said. “That’s baseball. You get days where you nub three or four and they go for hits.

“You never want to start a trip 0-3, but we’re not out of anything. This team will bounce back. I know it.”

Next up is a four-game series in Philadelphia against the team with the NL’s best record. The Phillies swept Cincinnati in the first round of last year’s playoffs.

“We’ve got to get our stuff together and go to Philly,” Baker said. “And it is always tough there.”

The Reds will be happy to leave Cleveland after Michael Brantley, Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo — the top three hitters in the Indians’ lineup — went a combined 10 for 12 with six runs and nine RBIs.

Joey Votto and Jay Bruce hit solo homers for Cincinnati. Votto gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with a 431-foot shot into the bleachers in left-center, an area rarely reached by left-handers. It was the reigning NL MVP’s sixth homer — first since April 27.

Bruce connected for his 11th in the fourth to get the Reds within 7-2.

Cabrera’s day didn’t start out well. The steady shortstop made a throwing error on Drew Stubbs’ grounder to open the game, but he more than made up for it with his first five-hit, multihomer game. Cabrera also had an error in the sixth, but the Reds couldn’t capitalize as Chad Durbin came on for Carrasco and got three quick outs — two by strikeout.

“We’re not getting the hitting like we were,” Volquez said, pointing out the Cincinnati has totaled 14 runs in its losing streak.

The Indians then blew it open in their half on RBI doubles by Jack Hannahan and Brantley, Cabrera’s run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly by Choo.

Cleveland took a 4-1 lead in the first. Brantley led off with an infield single, and Cabrera hit his eighth homer to make it 2-1. Choo followed with a double and moved up on a groundout before Travis Buck walked. With Orlando Cabrera batting, Buck broke for second, but stopped and got into a brief rundown.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips chased Buck but missed the tag before throwing home. Catcher Ramon Hernandez attempted to get Choo at third, but his throw sailed over Scott Rolen’s head and rolled to the wall, allowing Choo and Buck to score easily.

“Part of that (first inning) was Volquez’s doing,” Baker said. “The error hurt, but he made a bunch of pitches that inning and did not have good command locating his fastball.”

Notes: Reds LHP Aroldis Chapman, on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, will make a rehab start on Monday with Triple-A Louisville. Pitching coach Bryan Price said Chapman’s control problems stemmed from him over-rotating his shoulder during his delivery. … Volquez’s ERA in the first inning of 80 career starts is 6.33. … Bruce has three homers in his last four games, going 8 of 14 (.571). … The Reds had won the previous seven series against the Indians. … The “Ohio Showdown” series drew 99,086 — the Indians’ highest weekend attendance since the final week in 2008.

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Published: 5/22/2011 – Updated: 5 hours ago

ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEVELAND — Before the game, Asdrubal Cabrera tossed tennis balls to his 3-year-old son, Meyer, who belted them around the field while wearing dad’s No. 13.

Dad did the same thing to the Cincinnati Reds.

Cabrera went 5 for 5 with two homers and a career-high five RBIs as Cleveland completed a three-game sweep of Cincinnati, beating the reeling Reds 12-4 on Sunday to at least for the moment grab bragging rights as Ohio’s best team.

Cabrera hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Edinson Volquez (3-2) for the Indians, who did early damage after winning the series’ first two games with late-inning comebacks. Cabrera added a solo homer in the sixth to give Cleveland an 8-4 lead.

“He was a one-man show at the plate,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He was unbelievable. He was on every pitch, and he has played like an all-star for us since day one.”

Michael Brantley, Cabrera, and Shin-Soo Choo, the top three hitters in Cleveland’s lineup, went a combined 10 for 12 with six runs and nine RBIs as the Indians, now seen more as a contender than early season surprise, moved 14 games over .500 for the first time since 2007.

With its first sweep of the Reds in seven years, Cleveland improved baseball’s best record to 29-15 overall, 18-4 at Progressive Field, tying the best home start in franchise history.

“They are tough at home,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “They are playing good baseball. Whatever they needed, they got this series.”

Carlos Carrasco (3-2) gave up four runs in six-plus innings, handing the Reds their fifth straight loss. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce hit solo homers off the right-hander, who was lucky that several line drives were hit directly at Cleveland fielders.

“We hit four, five, six balls well that on other days would have been doubles,” Cincinnati outfielder Chris Heisey said. “That’s baseball. You get days where you nub three or four and they go for hits. But Cleveland made some good plays.”

After horsing around on the field with Meyer, who insisted that his dad pitch to him outside and not in the indoor cages, Cabrera’s day against the Reds didn’t start well. The steady shortstop made a throwing error on Drew Stubbs’ grounder leading off, but he more than made up for it with his first five-hit, multihomer game. Cabrera also had an error in the sixth, but it didn’t cause any harm.

The Indians missed Cabrera last season, when they lost 93 games. He was out two months after breaking his left forearm in a collision with former Indians third baseman Jhonny Peralta. Other than that, the 25-year-old Cabrera has been everything the Indians could have hoped for since they called him up in the 2007 playoff stretch.

Now healthy, there isn’t a shortstop in the AL playing better.

“We think he’s one of the best at his position,” Acta said. “We’re glad we have him.”

Cabrera’s name rarely, if ever, gets mentioned in discussions about the league’s top shortstops. It might be time he’s included in those conversations. He’s batting .302 and leads the team with nine homers and 32 RBIs. This month, he’s batting .360 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 18 games.

“I’m just trying to do good things for the team,” said Cabrera, who doesn’t worry about outside attention. “I’m just thinking about trying to win the game and do what I can do. And have fun.”

The weekend series began ominously for Cleveland. On Friday, the club placed designated hitter Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a strained side muscle, a move that came a few days after Grady Sizemore went on the DL with a bruised right kneecap.

Those were the first major signs of trouble for the Indians, who have shaken off losing two major pieces and continue to win over any lingering doubters.

“We’ve got a good team,” Cabrera said. “We know it, and we just want to keep it going.”

The Reds were within 8-4 in the seventh and had two runners on with none out, but Chad Durbin came on for Carrasco, struck out two and worked out of the jam.

The Indians then blew it open in their half on RBI doubles by Jack Hannahan and Brantley, Cabrera’s run-scoring single, and a sacrifice fly by Choo.

As has been the case all season, Volquez was in an early hole and this time, the Reds helped him dig it.

The Indians scored four runs in the first against the right-hander, who has an 18.00 ERA in the opening inning, perhaps the main reason he has trailed in all 10 starts.

Brantley led off with an infield single, and Cabrera hit his eighth homer to make it 2-1. Choo followed with a double and moved up on a groundout before Travis Buck walked. With Orlando Cabrera batting, Buck broke for second, but stopped and got into a brief rundown.

Second baseman Brandon Phillips chased Buck but missed the tag before throwing home. Catcher Ramon Hernandez attempted to get Choo at third, but his throw sailed over Scott Rolen’s head and rolled to the wall, allowing Choo and Buck to score easily.

Votto gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with a 431-foot shot into the bleachers in left-center, an area rarely reached by left-handers. It was the reigning NL MVP’s sixth homer and first since April 27.

NOTES: Cleveland didn’t win its 18th home game last season until July 16. … Aroldis Chapman, on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, will make a rehab start on Monday with Triple-A Louisville. Pitching coach Bryan Price said Chapman’s control problems stemmed from him over-rotating his shoulder during his delivery. … Indians trainer Lonnie Soloff said Sizemore will increase baseball activities the next three days. Soloff deemed it an “important milestone” in Sizemore’s recovery. … Indians RHP Josh Judy made his major league debut in the ninth. … The “Ohio Showdown” series drew 99,086 the Indians’ highest weekend attendance since the final week in 2008.

Before the game, Asdrubal Cabrera tossed tennis balls to his 3-year-old son, Meyer, who belted them around the field while wearing dad’s No. 13.
Dad did the same thing to the Cincinnati Reds.
Cabrera went 5 for 5 with two homers and a career-high five RBIs as Cleveland completed a three-game sweep of Cincinnati, beating the reeling Reds 12-4 on Sunday to — at least for the moment — grab bragging rights as Ohio’s best team.
Cabrera hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Edinson Volquez (3-2) for the Indians, who did early damage after winning the series’ first two games with late-inning comebacks. Cabrera added a solo homer in the sixth to give Cleveland an 8-4 lead.
“He was a one-man show at the plate,” Indians manager Manny Acta said. “He was unbelievable. He was on every pitch, and he has played like an All-Star for us since Day One.”
Michael Brantley, Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo — the top three hitters in Cleveland’s lineup — went a combined 10 for 12 with six runs and nine RBIs as the Indians, now seen more as a contender than early season surprise, moved 14 games over .500 for time since 2007.
With its first sweep of the Reds in seven years, Cleveland improved baseball’s best record to 29-15 — 18-4 at Progressive Field, tying the best home start in franchise history.
“They are tough at home,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “They are playing good baseball. Whatever they needed, they got this series.”
Carlos Carrasco (3-2) gave up four runs in six-plus innings, handing the Reds their fifth straight loss. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce hit solo homers off the right-hander, who was lucky that several line drives were hit directly at Cleveland fielders.
“We hit four, five, six balls well that on other days would have been doubles,” Cincinnati outfielder Chris Heisey said. “That’s baseball. You get days where you nub three or four and they go for hits. But Cleveland made some good plays.”
After horsing around on the field with Meyer, who insisted that his dad pitch to him outside and not in the indoor cages, Cabrera’s day against the Reds didn’t start well. The steady shortstop made a throwing error on Drew Stubbs’ grounder leading off, but he more than made up for it with his first five-hit, multihomer game. Cabrera also had an error in the sixth, but it didn’t cause any harm.
The Indians missed Cabrera last season, when they lost 93 games. He was out two months after breaking his left forearm in a collision with former Indians third baseman Jhonny Peralta. Other than that, the 25-year-old Cabrera has been everything the Indians could have hoped for since they called him up in the 2007 playoff stretch.
Now healthy, there isn’t a shortstop in the AL playing better.
“We think he’s one of the best at his position,” Acta said. “We’re glad we have him.”
Cabrera’s name rarely, if ever, gets mentioned in discussions about the league’s top shortstops. It might be time he’s included in those conversations. He’s batting .302 and leads the team with nine homers and 32 RBIs. This month, he’s batting .360 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 18 games.
“I’m just trying to do good things for the team,” said Cabrera, who doesn’t worry about outside attention. “I’m just thinking about trying to win the game and do what I can do. And have fun.”
The weekend series began ominously for Cleveland. On Friday, the club placed DH Travis Hafner on the disabled list with a strained side muscle, a move that came a few days after Grady Sizemore went on the DL with a bruised right kneecap.
Those were the first major signs of trouble for the Indians, who have shaken off losing two major pieces and continue to win over any lingering doubters.
“We’ve got a good team,” Cabrera said. “We know it, and we just want to keep it going.”
The Reds were within 8-4 in the seventh and had two runners on with none out, but Chad Durbin came on for Carrasco, struck out two and worked out of the jam.
The Indians then blew it open in their half on RBI doubles by Jack Hannahan and Brantley, Cabrera’s run-scoring single and a sacrifice fly by Choo.
As has been the case all season, Volquez was in an early hole — and this time, the Reds helped him dig it.
The Indians scored four runs in the first against the right-hander, who has an 18.00 ERA in the opening inning, perhaps the main reason he has trailed in all 10 starts.
Brantley led off with an infield single, and Cabrera hit his eighth homer to make it 2-1. Choo followed with a double and moved up on a groundout before Travis Buck walked. With Orlando Cabrera batting, Buck broke for second, but stopped and got into a brief rundown.
Second baseman Brandon Phillips chased Buck but missed the tag before throwing home. Catcher Ramon Hernandez attempted to get Choo at third, but his throw sailed over Scott Rolen’s head and rolled to the wall, allowing Choo and Buck to score easily.
Votto gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with a 431-foot shot into the bleachers in left-center, an area rarely reached by left-handers. It was the reigning NL MVP’s sixth homer — first since April 27.
Notes: Cleveland didn’t win its 18th home game last season until July 16. … Aroldis Chapman, on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, will make a rehab start on Monday with Triple-A Louisville. Pitching coach Bryan Price said Chapman’s control problems stemmed from him over-rotating his shoulder during his delivery. … Indians trainer Lonnie Soloff said Sizemore will increase baseball activities the next three days. Soloff deemed it an “important milestone” in Sizemore’s recovery. … Indians RHP Josh Judy made his major league debut in the ninth. … The “Ohio Showdown” series drew 99,086 — the Indians’ highest weekend attendance since the final week in 2008.