Reds Beat Indians 7-6

Last year Dusty Baker's Reds lost five games to the Indians in spring training.  They had a lead in the sixth but Cleveland rallied to tie.

An front office executive's wife, who doesn't quite understand that the results of spring games aren't the important thing, was worried about the season.  The Reds of course won the National League Central and Cleveland had to rally to avoid the American League Central basement.

In the first Cactus League game for both Ohio clubs the Reds needed a late rally to pull the game out.

Matt Maloney, who has an outside chance to crack the starting rotation, started in place of Edinson Volquez.  Visa problems prevent Volquez from pitching in front of paying customers.

"BP (Bryan Price the pitching coach) told me last night that I was starting today," said Maloney, who grew up in Columbus, Ohio.  "I think the bullpen is my best chance of making this team.  If given the opportunity, I will do the best I can.  I feel that I can be effective out of the bullpen."

"He threw the ball very well.  His fastball and curve was sharp and was change up was good," Baker said.

The teams were scoreless until Jay Bruce reached on a two-base error, stole third and scored on Jonny Gomes ground out.  After both starting groups left the game the Indians jumped to a 6-1 lead.  Lonnie Chisenhall, a top Tribe prospect hit two-run double and Ezequiel Carrera hit a home run off Donnie Joseph the Reds' Minor League Pitcher of the Year.

"Joseph was a little nervous," Baker said.  "He started throwing the ball right down the middle after he got behind."

Dave Sappelt, the Reds Minor League Hitter of the Year, hit a home run.  Sappelt, is expected to be a leadoff hitter in the future.  Chris Valaika, followed Sappelt with a home run of his own and the Reds were down a run going into the ninth.

Chirs Heisey walked with one out and Jeremy Hermida singled.  Zack Cozart grounded a single up the middle to tie the game.  Corky Miller doubled to put the Reds on top.

Jose Arredondo pitched the bottom of the ninth.

Chisenhall greeted him with a double but he worked out of the inning to gain a save.

Arredondo and Daryl Thompson, who relieved Joseph, spent last season recovering from surgery.  Thompson pitched in a handfull of games but Arredondo didn't pitch at all.

"Arredondo, hadn't been out there for a while.  He was a little wild but everybody threw the ball well.  Thompson threw well.  We played good defense, ran the bases well, got timely hitting.  Our young guys came back and won it for us," Baker said.

"And we beat Cleveland finally," Baker said.