Donald Lutz drives in two of the Reds’ six runs with a single in the sixth inning.
The Cincinnati Reds rode two big innings to a win yesterday, but that wasn’t the real story. No, that belonged to Johnny Cueto, who pitched for the first time since straining an oblique in the first game of the playoffs last year.
Cueto’s outing wasn’t awesome, but he reported no pain from his injury. His final line was 2 innings, 4 runs (2 earned), 1 walk, and 1 strikeout. It’s very nice to see him back on the mound again.
The Diamondbacks’ lead vanished quickly in the 6th. The Reds scored a total of 6 runs. Kris Negron hit a triple to drive in a run. Joey Votto singled in a run. Donald Lutz doubled to drive in 2 more. And Henry Rodriguez finished the scoring with the final RBI.
The Reds scored more runs later in the game, putting it further out of reach.
Today the Reds will split up their squad. One group will travel to play against the Colorado Rockies at 3:10 pm, while the other group will stay in Goodyear to host the Diamondbacks. Aroldis Chapman starts against the Rockies, while Mike Leake starts against Arizona.
“Not yet,” he said. “I’m still trying to get my legs under me.”
So far, Votto’s performance in Spring Training has been good, indicating his knee is doing better. In four games, he has a home run and four RBI. Oh, and his on-base percentage is an amazing .600.
Apparently, Team Canada is scheduled to play the Reds on March 7th. Assuming Votto does join the roster, he has decided about that game.
“I don’t want to play in that game (against the Reds) with Team Canada. I’d be torn.”
I empathize with his decision. He gets paid to play for the Reds every year, but the chance to represent his country in a world competition only comes a handful of times. I’d rather he didn’t participate, but I do trust him to keep himself healthy should he decide to do so.
It’s only Spring Training, but yesterday Joey Votto hit his first home run in a baseball game since June 24. That was two knee surgeries and one disappointing playoff appearance ago, in case you were counting.
The Cincinnati Enquirer’s video of the shot from the press box is below.
This is just great to see, and it has nothing to do with the Reds winning their first game of the Spring. Votto having his power back, along with his awesome everything else, makes this team so much more dangerous.
“But everyday I feel better with practice,” he said. “There’s still work to do. But I feel more confident.”
Granted, the former right fielder has only played a little bit, and exhibition baseball is nothing like when the games count, but it’s good that Choo has confidence in his ability to make the transition.
As expected, Reds manager Dusty Baker has the same confidence in his player.
“This guy is an athlete,” Reds manager Dusty Baker said. “He has a lot of pride. He works hard. He’ll be fine. We just have to preserve his legs.”
Choo has done well at the plate, too, showing some on-base skills that were completely absent last season from the lead-off spot. If this switch to center field works, this could be a very good season.
Todd Frazier singles in the first inning, knocking in Joey Votto.
The Cincinnati Reds started off the 2013 Spring Training season with a game against the Cleveland Indians. Although they both share Goodyear Ball Park, the Reds played the visitors this time.
The game was an offensive show, with a combined 21 runs and 27 hits, which isn’t uncommon early in the Spring. For the Reds, who started their expected opening day lineup, things started well.
Newly acquired lead-off hitter Shin-Soo Choo began things with a walk. I hope to see a lot of getting on base from him. The Reds went on to score 5 runs that inning. Joey Votto went 2-3, driving in and scoring one. Miguel Olivo and Devin Mesoraco both hit home runs.
The pitching wasn’t nearly as sharp, though. Tony Cingrani started and struggled. He pitched one inning and allowed 3 runs. With the exception of Clay Hensley, who allowed no runs in his 2 1/3 innings, the relievers weren’t any better.
The game ended on a walk-off, three-run double given up by Carlos Contreras.
The Reds and the Indians play again today at 3:05 p.m. The Reds will start Alfredo Simon, while the Indians will send out Brett Myers.
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