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The Cincinnati Reds (9-14-2) continued to lose, but managed to not make it so close this time. Instead of a 1-run deficit at the end of the game, the Reds lost by 7. Way to go, guys!

The Reds had a bullpen day, using 7 pitchers over the course of 8 innings. Carlos Fisher, who’s still battling for a bullpen slot, started and most likely pitched his way off of the Opening Day roster. He was a slim chance anyway, but giving up 3 runs in 1 2/3 innings is not a good way to compete.

Arthur Rhodes, Justin Lehr, and Jared Burton all pitched scoreless innings. They were followed by two other pitchers on the roster bubble, who, like Fisher, likely punched their tickets for the minors. Kip Wells allowed 2 runs in his sole inning, while Matt Maloney took that and added 1 to it, allowing 3 in his inning of work.

Joey Votto continues to hit for the Reds, picking up 2 more hits and bringing his not out percentage up to 40.7%. The Reds lone run came in the 5th when Ramon Hernandez scored on a groundout by Orlando Cabrera. Small-ball for the loss!

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.

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Aaron Harang started for the Cincinnati Reds (9-10-2) and had a worse day than the Roman Catholic church. Okay, maybe not that bad.

It was ugly out there, though. Harang was originally scheduled to go for 6 innings in the continuing Spring Training quest to increase his durability. Instead, he lasted 2 2/3 and allowed 7 runs. Ouch.

The Reds lost, of course. But the offense did show life again. Jonny Gomes and Laynce Nix both homered as they continue to fight to make the team. And although Joey Votto didn’t get a hit, he did walk in a run when the bases were loaded. Votto had two walks on the day, so maybe his judgment of pitches is close to being ready for opening day.

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Homer Bailey started for the Cincinnati Reds and, in his own words, “pounded the zone.” Given his results so far this spring, the zone does indeed appear to be all that Bailey’s been pounding lately.

Bailey didn’t strike anyone out, but he did allow only one run, 3 hits, and one walk over 5 innings. It’s that one walk that I really like to see.

On the offensive side, the Reds flat-out destroyed the Giants. The first 2 runs both came off the bat of Joey Votto, although he was out on both occasions. His Spring Training batting average is at .171, but he does still have almost 2 weeks to get everything straightened out.

The majority of the scoring came in the 8th, off former Red Jeremy Affeldt and Brandon Medders. Aaron Miles contributed an RBI double, and Drew Stubbs hit another home run. Stubbs has 4 on the Spring, which continues his power surge since joining the majors last year.

There was no save situation, but Daniel Herrera did pitch a scoreless 9th to prevent another Spring Training tie.

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Well, the game started off well. Drew Stubbs continued to fight for the center field job by leading off the bottom of the 1st with a solo home run. Unfortunately, the home run was a true rally-killer. The Cincinnati Reds never scored again.

Bronson Arroyo started for the Reds, but it was his evil, first-half of the season self that showed up. Arroyo allowed 3 runs in 5 innings and was tagged with the loss. He almost allowed the cycle, but opted for a second home run instead of a single. I guess he’s an over-achiever.

After Bad-royo, the Aroldis Chapman experience took to the mound. Although scheduled for 4 innings of work, Chapman lasted just 1 2/3. It was the first time all Spring that he’s struggled, allowing 4 unearned runs in his shortened time. More frightening than his poor outing was the fact that he left early due to concerns over a stiff back.

John Fay interviewed Reds pitching coach Bryan Price about Chapman’s soreness.

“If we had any concerns about his back, we wouldn’t have gone any further right then,” Price said. “We’re not going to have guys out there throwing, knowing they have problems with their back or arm….[W]e noticed him stretching out a little bit. As soon as we saw that, we brought the trainer out to verify that there wasn’t problem. There was.”

Hopefully, it’s nothing more than a reaction to the rigors of Major League Baseball. I do think this will make the Reds even more cautious about having him be with the team on opening day.