Robert Stephenson Erratic In Reds Loss Ryan Atkinson Has Good First Outing.

http://donatelifeohio.org/

Robert Stephenson was not sharp in his first Cactus League outing that resulted in a 5-2 win for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who pitched Colerain and UC grad, Ryan Atkinson.

Stephenson had a slight problem with his neck which prevented him from pitching live batting practice this week but was physically ready to compete.

Stephenson struck out struck out four batters in 1 2/3 innings but he walked a batter and gave up home runs to Alex Avila and Jeremy Hazelbaker in a three-run second inning.

http://www.wiedemannbeer.com/

"He was erratic," Bryan Price said.  "He was up a lot, behind. He was trying to make a couple pitches with his fastball, one in, one away. Both got over the plate and he got hit. It was one of those early spring outings."

Price nixed the idea that missing live batting practice played a part.

"He was physically ready to pitch," Price said. "If you look every outing, he should be sharper."

The Reds didn't get a hit until designated hitter, Scott Schebler, singled in the fifth inning.

The Diamondbacks added a run off Raisel Iglesias in his two inning stint. He had three strikeouts. Domingo Tapia allowed a run in his inning.  Tanner Rainey, Jose Rafael De Paula, Jose Reyes and Kevin Shakelford pitched scoreless innings.

The Reds scored off Michael Blazek in the sixth on an RBI single by Nick Senzel, who entered the game at shortstop.

Ryan Atkinson in his first Major League spring training game was charged with a run but had a successful outing.

Atkinson, who graduated from Colerain High School and the University of Cincinnati, entered the game in the seventh inning.  He struck out Stuart Turner the first batter he faced. Sebastian Elizarde singled to left.  Narcisco Crook flied out to left.  Atkinson stabbed Alex Blandino's one-hopper to the mound and threw him out to log a scoreless inning.

Atkinson went out for the eighth inning. He struck out Brandon Dixon but walked Mason Williams.  Senzel flied out.

The Diamondbacks brought lefthander, Colin Poche to pitch to lefty Shed Long.  Long doubled and the run was charged to Atkinson.

"Walking the batter after a strikeout isn't good," Atkinson said.  "My fastball command was off a little. I was a little nervous but not because I was facing big league hitters.  It was my first time on the mound."

Atkinson is likely to start the season in the minor leagues but as Diamondbacks Vice President of Player Development said, 'He's in the conversation and he's got a chance."