Reds and Indians Open Cactus League With a 6-6 Tie

Todd Frazier homered with one out in the ninth off Chen Lee to tie the game that ended after nine innings.

Mike Leake started and gave up two runs, one earned in two innings.  Ron Mahay, a 40-year old journeyman, allowed two runs that put Cleveland ahead 4-0.

Joey Votto doubled off Frank Herrman to start the fourth inning.  Jay Bruce singled Votto home.  Scott Rolen singled for his second hit of the game.  Bruce and Rolen scored on Drew Stubbs second hit a double over the centerfielder Michael Brantley's head.  Devin Mesoraco drove in the tying run with a single.

Neftali Soto hit the first home run of the spring off Robinson Tejada

Scott Rolen had two hits but both were bloop hits.  He didn't make solid contact.  Brandon Phillips doubled in two trips.

Mike Leake wasn't sharp but he was done in by a "no play" and an error.  Michael Brantley doubled to open the game.  Asdrubal Cabrera hit a pop foul down the left field line behind thirdbase.  Neither Rolen or Zack Cozart could come up with the catch.  Later Cabrera hit a ground ball that mid season Brandon Phillips would eat up and spit out.  This one Phillips kicked.

"Leake wasn't as sharp as he usually is," Dusty Baker said.  "He wasn't up but he was down the middle.  I don't worry about Leakie."

Neftali Soto hit a long home run to right center to put the Reds in the lead.  It was the first home run of the spring by anyone.  Soto took over for Votto at first base.  If the Reds can't re sign Votto we could see the 23-year old Soto at firstbase in the future.

"He works hard," Baker said.  "He's improved a lot," Baker said.

Soto was taken by the Reds in the third round in 2007.  He hit 30 home runs at Carolina before he was promoted to Louisville.

"We promoted him late last season," Baker said. "He hit 30 home runs and missed a month.  Prospects like him is why you can trade a Yonder Alonso."

Soto has played thirdbase in the system.

Frazier's home run was his first official home run of the spring.  He hit one in the intra squad game and took Aroldis Chapman deep in live batting practice earlier in the week.