Boxscore

The Cincinnati Reds traveled to Peoria, Arizona to take on the Seattle Mariners and, for the first time since he left Cincinnati, Ken Griffey Jr.

Despite getting plunked once by Mike Leake, Griffey won the encounter in the dramatic fashion that Reds fans didn’t get to see enough of when he was with the team. With the Reds leading 5-2 in the 9th, Griffey stepped up with the bases loaded and launched one to right-center for the walk-off win.

Of course, this was off Kip Wells, which hopefully demonstrates to the Reds that he’s no longer a viable pitching option. Considering that the manager is veteran-loving Dusty Baker, I’m not holding my breath.

Other than Wells, though, the pitching was outstanding. Mike Leake and Travis Wood continued their no-holds barred battle for the 5th starter spot. Both went 4 innings and allowed only 1 run. I can’t say enough how nice it is to have good pitching options for a change.

On the offensive side, Joey Votto spent the day as the Reds DH, and may, just may, have broken out of his slump. After two walks in the previous game, Votto went 3 for 4, with 2 singles and a home run, and drove in 3. It’s good to see his bat coming around as Opening Day approaches.