Brandon Moss powers Indians to 9-5 win over Giants

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Brandon Moss showed off the power that persuaded Cleveland to trade for him, hitting a three-run homer against Ryan Vogelsong that helped the Indians beat the San Francisco Giants 9-5 on Tuesday night.

Just picked by Sports Illustrated to win the 2015 World Series, the Indians went out and beat the defending champions in a Cactus League tuneup.

''I'm glad people think we have a pretty good team, but it doesn't affect anything we do,'' manager Terry Francona said. ''If anything, you probably want to work harder.''

Moss, coming off a hip injury that sapped his power in the second half with Oakland last year, connected for his third home run of the spring. He finished his 2014 All-Star season with 25 homers and 81 RBIs before Cleveland acquired him in December for a minor league infielder.

''He doesn't get cheated,'' Francona said. ''He's a welcome addition.''

Minor league outfielder Jerry Sands cleared the center-field batter's eye - which is 55 feet tall - with a two-run shot off Vogelsong.

''That was worth the price of admission,'' Francona said. ''He showed what you do with a 3-0 pitch. He handles himself very well. He can help us at some point.''

Vogelsong, who tossed 4 2-3 scoreless innings in his previous outing, has given up four homers and 12 earned runs in 17 innings.

''My tempo was a little off and I was pulling the ball back over the plate,'' Vogelsong said. ''I wasn't as sharp as the last time out. I pulled the ball to Moss right into his swing. The other one (to Sands) was right down the middle.''

Justin Maxwell and Casey McGehee hit back-to-back RBI doubles off Indians left-hander T.J. House. Maxwell was 3 for 4 as the designated hitter.

Juan Perez also doubled off House, who allowed four runs for the second consecutive outing. This time, they all came in one inning.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Giants: OF Angel Pagan, who has been out with back problems, was 1 for 4 in a minor league game. He is slated to play in a Cactus League game Wednesday.

Indians: Jason Kipnis' sore back is better. The second baseman took some at-bats in minor league games. ... Nick Swisher went through outfield drills. He will continue his baserunning program Wednesday and might hit in minor league games. ... David Murphy, who twisted his ankle Friday night, will be the DH on Wednesday against the Angels.

STARTING TIME

Giants: RHP Matt Cain pitched five innings in a minor league game earlier in the day. He allowed two unearned runs, did not walk a batter and struck out four. He threw 75 pitches, 50 for strikes. ... Vogelsong has been in the Giants' rotation for two World Series titles, making more than 30 starts in each of those championship seasons. His stats this spring probably won't affect his standing in San Francisco, but he has struggled at times.

''We've been through this before,'' Vogelsong said. ''Physically, I feel good. Mentally, I feel good. My tempo was a little off tonight. It was funny, but in the bullpen it was right where it should be. But it was off on the mound and caused me to pull the ball back over the plate.''

Indians: House was a 16th-round choice in the 2008 draft. He joined the Indians for the second half last season and made 18 starts. He is competing with four other young pitchers - Carlos Carrasco, Zach McAllister, Danny Salazar and Josh Tomlin - for two openings in the rotation. All have started for Cleveland.

''They were aggressive, but some pitches were up and they made it work,'' said House, who has allowed eight runs and 15 hits in his past two appearances spanning eight innings. ''(My spring has been) great except for a couple innings just kind of eating me up a little bit. Besides that, I've got some good work and I think we're just moving forward and going in the right direction.'' ... In other news, veteran pitchers Scott Downs, Shaun Marcum and Bruce Chen were told they won't make the opening-day roster.

SI JINX?

Michael Brantley and Corey Kluber will be pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Francona said he feels no added pressure because of the championship prediction - nor does he believe in the SI jinx.

''I'm glad to see them get the recognition,'' Francona said. ''It is something special, they can take a couple copies home to their family. It isn't just regional, it's national recognition. It won't affect how we play. I used to tell people in Boston: `It wasn't a jinx. It was lack of pitching.'''

NUMBER 7

The Indians will honor Al Rosen, who died on March 13 at age 91, by wearing his No. 7 on their right sleeves this season. Rosen played for Cleveland his entire 10-year career. He was the last Indians player to win the AL MVP, in 1953. Rosen also had ties to the Giants. He was named Executive of the Year in 1987 as a member of their front office.

UP NEXT

Giants: RHP Tim Hudson starts Wednesday against Colorado RHP Eddie Butler.

Indians: Tomlin faces Angels RHP Nick Tropeano on Wednesday.