Reds have 6 doubles in 10-0 win over Indians
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Brandon Phillips, Todd Frazier and Jay Bruce each had one of the Cincinnati Reds' six doubles in a 10-0 win over the Cleveland Indians on Tuesday, the spring opener for both teams.
"The base running was outstanding," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "We worked hard on that. We were more aggressive on the bases. We had great at-bats. We had 10 RBIs by 10 hitters. The pitchers came in and threw strikes. That's the kind of game we need to play."
Phillips doubled in his first at-bat off Cleveland starter Zach McAllister and scored on a single by Devin Mesoraco.
McAllister is trying to win a job as Cleveland's fifth starter, but the right-hander could also wind up in the bullpen. He made seven relief appearances in September and the Indians were pleased to see his velocity improve when he pitched late in games.
Jason Marquis, who is competing for one of two open spots in the Reds' starting rotation, struck out three and walked two in two scoreless innings.
"He was a hair erratic. I give him a little bit of a pass the first game, Price said. "They are getting acclimated to pitching again. I still think he threw the ball fine. He will get better with the command of his pitches."
After his team was blanked on four hits, Indians manager Terry Francona said he thought McAllister pitched well. However, he couldn't find many other positives on a day Major League Baseball tested its new pace of play initiatives for the first time.
"It's like we were working on pace of play when we were hitting," Francona cracked. "Hopefully we'll do better tomorrow."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Indians: Outfielder Brandon Moss has been making steady progress in his return from October hip surgery. Moss ran the bases without any problems on Monday and manager Terry Francona expects him to play in exhibition games earlier than expected.
"He's streaking along," Francona said. "It's hard to slow him down. He's passing every test they give him. He's coming quick."
The Indians acquired Moss on Dec. 8 in a trade with Oakland.
Reds: Joey Votto is missing the first few days of Cactus League games. Votto is behind the rest of the team because he has been rehabbing his surgically repaired quadriceps. While there are no restrictions, he needs to get enough reps to catch up to the other players, according to Price.
UP NEXT
Indians: Josh Tomlin makes his first start on Wednesday against Cincinnati. He started the 2014 season in Triple-A Columbus before spending two stints with the Indians, the last from Aug. 5 through the end of the season. LHP T.J House, RHP C.C. Lee, LHP Nick Maronde, RHP Wil Roberts and RHP Jeff Manship will follow Tomlin.
Reds: Anthony DeSclafani will start against Cleveland. DeSclafani is a favorite to fill one of two spots in the starting rotation. The right-hander came to the Reds in a trade with Miami for Mat Latos. LHP David Holmberg, RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Sam LeCure, RHP Jumbo Diaz, LHP Ryan Dennick, and Cuban born RHP Rasiel Iglesias will follow DeSclafani.
NICE CATCH
Cleveland outfielder Destin Hood robbed Devin Mesoraco of an extra-base hit with a leaping catch at the left field fence.
FAST START
Reds prospect Jesse Winker singled in his first at-bat against major league pitching.
MISSING TRIBESMEN
Michael Bourn is scheduled to be in the lineup on Wednesday and Michael Brantley, who finished third in the AL MVP voting last season, will play Thursday as Ohio's teams open with three straight matchups. Jason Kipnis was not in the lineup but is expected to play later this week.