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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Indians' Sizemore joins 30-30 club in 4-3 victory

Associated Press

DETROIT — Grady Sizemore trotted around the bases and stepped back into the dugout as if his leadoff homer was no big deal.

Just another day at the ballpark for Sizemore. Even after achieving something only one other Cleveland player has ever done.

Sizemore hit two home runs to join the 30-30 club and Franklin Gutierrez had a 10th-inning solo shot to help the Cleveland Indians win their eighth straight, 4-3 over the Detroit Tigers last night.

Sizemore homered on the game's second pitch and became the second Indians player to have at least 30 homers and 30 stolen bases in a season.

"He's unbelievable," manager Eric Wedge said of the three-time All-Star. "You wouldn't know if it was his first or his 30th. In a low-scoring ballgame, he set the tone. That's what he does. He does it from a spot in the order that can give us a lot of energy."

Joe Carter also accomplished the feat with Cleveland in 1987. Sizemore is the 14th American League player to join the 30-30 club, and first since Alfonso Soriano did it for Texas in 2005.

Sizemore, who has 34 steals, added his 31st homer in his next at-bat.

"It's exciting when we're playing well like we are," Sizemore said. "We're finding ways to win right now and that's what you want."

With more than a month left in the season, he has a chance to become the fifth major leaguer to join the 40-40 club.

"I don't try to hit homers. I try to just keep the ball in the gap and in the center of the field," Sizemore said.

Gutierrez hit the second pitch thrown by Gary Glover (1-3) in the 10th inning into the left-field stands to break a 3-3 tie.