The Reds beat up on the Cleveland Indians 13-2 on Thursday, and improved to 11-9 this spring. The Reds collected 19 hits, dominating the Indians pitching. The Reds scored 7 runs off Indians starter Danny Salazar, who is competing for a spot in the Indians rotation.The Reds now have just seven games left in Arizona before traveling to Montreal for a two-game exhibition series next weekend against the Blue Jays. Then it is opening day in Cincinnati on the following Monday.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
|  Cincinnati Reds (11-9) | 13 | 19 | 1 |
|  Cleveland Indians (10-13) | 2 | 8 | 1 |
| W: Lorenzen (2-0) L: Salazar (1-2) | |||
| | Box Score | MLB.com Recap | AP Recap | | |||
Michael Lorenzen continues to make a strong push for an opening day bullpen spot. Lorenzen allowed 1 run in 3 innings against the Indians regulars, while not walking a batter. Lorenzen now has a 1.64 ERA this spring.
Todd Frazier hit a no doubter home run to left field off Danny Salazar in the first inning. It was impressive considering Salazar struck out the other three batters he faced in the first inning (Hamilton, Votto, and Phillips). It was Frazier’s third home run this spring.
Devin Mesoraco also hit a no doubter home run to left field off Danny Salazar, but his came in the second inning. It was Mesoraco’s second home run this spring.
After falling behind 0-2 in the count, Joey Votto battled back to hit a single up the middle to drive in two runs, with 2 outs in the second inning. Votto is hitting .261/.400/.391 this spring.
Billy Hamilton had an RBI double with two outs in the second inning. Hamilton roped a ball down to right field. That kept a Reds rally going, as they would go on to score 4 runs in the inning.
Brennan Boesch and Kris Negron both had good games. Boesch had 2 hits, and Negron scored 3 runs. Both players are having very good springs. Boesch is hitting .357/.303/.452, and Negron is hitting .400/.581/.857.
Paul Maholm pitched three scoreless innings on Thursday, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and 1 strikeout. Maholm has also had a nice spring, posting 2.19 ERA.
Other news and notes:
Paul Swydan: In defense of OBP hater Brandon Phillips
C. Trent Rosecrans: No nerves for Reds’ Michael Lorenzen as camp nears end
Mark Sheldon: Cueto back at camp; return to mound imminent
Zach Woosley: The Cincinnati Reds lead the league in self-serve beer taps
ESPN (AP): Reds get Dan Johnson from Astros
Up Next:
Milwaukee Brewers at Cincinnati Reds
10:05 PM ET; Goodyear Ballpark
CIN Radio: 700-WLW
Matt Garza (1-1, 5.40 ERA) vs Raisel Iglesias (0-2, 2.53 ERA)