Swisher, Giambi hit home runs to lead Tribe to 6-4 win over Giants

3/8/2013

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Ubaldo Jimenez is getting good results by quickening his delivery.

Nick Swisher and Jason Giambi hit consecutive homers off Heath Hembree, and Jimenez had a solid start on Thursday, leading the Cleveland Indians to a 6-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants.

Hembree allowed Swisher's third home run of the spring, a three-run shot in the fifth. Giambi hit his first.

Jimenez allowed three hits and one run in four innings, benefiting from his quicker delivery.

Center fielder Michael Bourn lost Brandon Crawford's fly ball in the sun, letting it fall for a triple. Hunter Pence followed with an RBI single.

"This is going to be a big season for me. The last two have been hard," Jimenez said.

"I'm not worried about being a free agent. I want to show this team what I can do and I haven't done that yet."

Giants starter Tim Lincecum had to be scratched again because of a blister that he developed after his first appearance of spring training.

Chad Gaudin, who is trying to earn a job in the bullpen, pitched three scoreless innings in Lincecum's place.

Ryan Raburn had a pair of doubles and drove in two runs.

"He feels good about himself," manager Terry Francona said. "He's got a nice short stroke. I don't want to get too far ahead of myself, but it's the kind of swing that plays well off the bench."

NOTES: Indians OF Michael Brantley will have his stitches removed from his left forearm on Friday. He hurt it while sliding into third base. He will resume baseball activities and should be ready to play by Sunday, according to Francona. ... Matt Carson, who was hit in the head with a pitch on Wednesday, has been cleared to resume full activity for Cleveland. ... Indians closer Chris Perez, who has not pitched since Feb. 26 because of a right shoulder strain, will begin throwing as early as Sunday.