Ramirez hits 2 home runs, Indians top Mariners

PEORIA, Ariz. – Backup infielder Jose Ramirez hit two home runs and the Cleveland Indians topped the Seattle Mariners 3-1 on Sunday.

Ramirez hit a solo shot in the first inning and a two-run homer in the third against Wade Miley.

“They came off his bat so well,” Indians manager Terry Francona said. “That’s good to see. If you’ve got a guy that’s coming in and playing, I don’t know three or four times a week, if he has the ability to change a game, that’s really helpful.”

Miley, who will open the season as Seattle’s third or fourth starter, pitched well against Cleveland’s other eight batters. In five innings, he allowed four hits overall.

“I feel great,” Miley said. “I feel like I’m in a good spot, where I need to be at. Pitch count is getting where it needs to be.”

Indians starter T.J. House, who projects as a long reliever, had a solid outing, throwing four scoreless innings. He gave up three hits.

Marlon Byrd, who signed a minor league contract on Friday, went 0 for 3 in his Indians debut.