GOODYEAR, Ariz.: Fausto Carmona pitched four strong innings, overshadowing a 12-hit explosion by the Indians’ attack, as the Reds fell 8-2 at Goodyear Ballpark Wednesday night.
After allowing a run in the first inning on a double and single, Carmona retired eight of the next 10 batters. Only two runners reached over this span, both on walks, but Carmona threw two double-play balls to wipe them off the bases. In seven spring innings, Carmona has given up three hits and one run.
Almost everyone in the lineup took part in perking up the offense. Matt LaPorta singled, doubled and scored twice; Mark Grudzielanek contributed a two-run double and scored a run; Shin-Soo Choo singled twice and drove in a run; Nick Weglarz singled twice and scored a run, and Beau Mills‘ solo homer in the ninth cleared the right field roof of the ballpark.
Yohan Pino relieved Carmona and yielded one run and one hit in three innings. Josh Judy and Joe Smith pitched the final two innings without giving up a hit or run.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Don’t be fooled by these occasional 12-run outbursts. In the regular season, they’re followed by a week of scoring 0, 1 or 2 runs.
Also hope Acta is giving Mitch Talbot a fair shake at making the rotation. He’s probably been the most impressive pitcher in camp thus far, and as much as I like Laffey and Huff, Talbot deserves one of the remaining jobs. It’s likely that Aaron will start the year in the pen, which is okay (for now), because he’s very effective wherever he pitches.