Reds losing streak extends to four against Giants
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Photo: Chris Carlson/AP[/caption]
Spring Training records are rarely accurate indications of how the 162-game regular season will go. The Cincinnati Reds are hoping that they will be the latest proof of that theory when the Major League season commences in less than a month. With their 8–5 loss to the San Francisco Giants yesterday afternoon, the Reds are now owners of the worst winning percentage in either Spring Training league.
Again, the nature of Spring Training suggests that there’s no need to fret about the lack of production because of all of the different factors at work. Take, for example, center fielder Billy Hamilton. His development this spring is critical to the Reds’ success come April, and he’s hitting .318 on the spring with six stolen bases in nine games out of the lead-off spot. Hamilton was 1–3 in yesterday’s loss.
Cincinnati started off on the right foot in Goodyear yesterday, claiming an early 3–0 lead after two innings. Todd Frazier’s first inning double plated Hamilton and Jay Bruce, and Hamilton would double in Skip Schumaker in the bottom of the second frame. Schumaker went 2-for-3 with a homer in the game, and the newly acquired utility man has been a bright spot for the Reds this spring, hitting .550 in 17 at-bats.
Tony Cingrani couldn’t hold the early lead, giving up six earned runs and lasting 3.2 innings in his third start of the spring. The Giants’ six runs across innings three and four would prove to be the deciding blow, as Buster Posey and Ehire Adrianza hit a home run apiece to open the game up early. Posey would add a double in the fourth to give San Francisco a 6–3 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Reds reliever Aroldis Chapman was easily the most impressive pitcher on the day, as he worked three scoreless innings. He only allowed a hit and a walk and struck out one.
Bryan Price’s squad has had their struggles as a team, but the positive individual performances from their probable Major League roster will likely lead to another exciting season on the river in Cincinnati.
Of note, the Reds made their first roster cuts of the spring yesterday, sending six players to Louisville. You can take a look at all of the moves by clicking here.
Cincinnati will continue the spring season today against the Colorado Rockies, with first pitch scheduled for 4:10 ET. Mike Leake (0–0, 4.50) will take the mound for the Redlegs against Colorado’s Brett Anderson (0–0, 1.80). Scheduled to follow Leake are Brett Marshall, Logan Ondrusek, Nick Christiani and Trevor Bell.
Finally, here’s today’s Cincinnati nine that will take the field at Talking Stick in Scottsdale:
1. Brandon Phillips — 2B
2. Ramon Santiago — SS
3. Joey Votto — 1B
4. Ryan Ludwick — LF
5. Chris Heisey — RF
6. Todd Frazier — 3B
7. Jason Bourgeois — CF
8. Devin Mesoraco — C
9. Mike Leake — P
