ESPN: Jim Thome returns in Indians’ win vs. Royals

Jim Thome went hitless but was warmly welcomed in his Cleveland homecoming after nearly a decade away and the Indians stopped their slide in the AL Central with a 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night.

Thome went 0 for 4 and struck out twice in his first game back with Cleveland since 2002, when he disappointed Cleveland fans by leaving as a free agent. The slugger waived a no-trade clause to return to Cleveland and a chance to help the Indians get back to the postseason. A sellout crowd cheered his every move.
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Thome’s return sparked a booming business at the Indians’ box office on Friday. The club was expecting a crowd of around 30,000, and drew 41,337—the fourth sellout of 2011. Nearly 9,000 tickets were sold after the Indians announced their career home run leader was coming back.

Oh, and Ubaldo struck out 10 and allowed a run in seven innings.