Homer Is Not Sharp Against Dodgers Reds Lose 9-1

Homer Bailey doesn't have a feel for his curveball yet.

The Dodgers smoked six hits in 2 1/3 innings in what appeared to be a long night.

"It was a short night really," said Dusty Baker, who had to take him out before he could get through to the third inning.

Tony Gwynn Jr. opened the game with a single.  Mark Ellis doubled and Trent Oeltjen hit a ball into the right field corner.  Jay Bruce slipped chasing the ball down.  Oeltjen tried to score.  Bruce's relay via Henry Rodriguez to Devin Mesoraco was in time.  The rookie catcher blocked the plate but dropped the ball.  He still had time to pick it up and tag Oeltjen.

"He had the plate blocked but he should have caught the ball in the first place," Baker said.

Adam Kennedy and catcher A.J. Ellis hit two run homers for the Dodgers off Bailey.

"I feel alright," Bailey said.  "I don't have a feel for the curveball yet.  I will throw a bullpen and get it right.  It is why its spring training and we're not in Cincinnati."

"They hit mostly fastballs," Baker said.  "We would like to play better even though its just spring.  We're striking out at an alarming rate."

Cy Young Award winner in the National League Clayton Kershaw had something to do with that.  He allowed a single to Rodriguez and walks to Bruce and Paul Janish.  He struck out six Reds in his four innings.

Jay Bruce singled off Jamey Wright to extend his hitting streak to seven games.