Finally, 13 games into the Cactus League schedule, the Reds' bats made some noise that wasn't snoring.
Scooter Gennett and Jesse Winker had two hits, including the first home run for each as the Reds erased a 5-2 lead to take the Indians, 7-6.
Gennett had three hits in 12 at bats coming into the game against Cleveland and he was one of the productive Reds' hitters. Billy Hamilton was scratched from the lineup with an injury to his left index finger. His replacement, Ben Revere, had a single and two RBI.
The solo home runs by Gennett and Winker countered Francisco Lindor's leadoff home run off Brandon Finnegan, making his first Cactus League start.
Finnegan pitched two innings, allowing the one run on two hits and a walk. He struck out one.
"I had a lot of jitters. My main focus was to stay composed," Finnegan said. "I tried to stay in control of my body and hit my spots. For the most part, I did that."
"I left a change up, up to Lindor and he hammered it," Finnegan said. "That's the only pitch I was upset with. I came out feeling good and that's all I want."
Bryan Price saw a clean delivery.
"He's really been working on his balance and timing," Price said. "I thought it was better today. It is a good place to build from. I thought he was pretty good in that scrimmage he pitched five days ago. Now it's a matter of getting his arm in shape."
Finnegan is known for his confidence that borders on cockiness. Price had to double check that Finnegan admitted to jitters.
"Good for him. Bless his heart. It's been a long time," Price said. "Some of these guys are coming back and facing hitters. It doesn't matter if its Cactus League game or a regular season game, they're doing it for the first time in a while. Good for him, I think he appreciates the opportunity to compete for a spot in the rotation. If he throws the ball the way he has and keeps building his arm strength, he can really help us."
Jason Kipnis hit a two-run off Kevin Shackelford. Lindor added a two-run double that nearly cleared the fence against Raisel Iglesias, who pitched one inning. Iglesias allowed two runs on three hits and a walk.
It was the sixth home run for Kipnis.
"I'm not trying to hit home runs. I'm trying to stay balanced and on time," Kipnis said. "It's good we're getting in the rhythm and working on stuff. We just go out there and try to have some success right now."
Kipnis, who was an All-Star in 2013 and 2015 in Cincinnati, has had an injury plagued season. He was on the disabled list three times with shoulder and hamstring injuries. This spring he had a minor
skirmish with a tight back, early in camp but is in good health now.
"When you see results you stay the course. If you hear me say the word launch angle I'm lying to your face. That's something I never cared about," Kipnis said. "If I had my choice, I'd save them for the regular season but you don't get to do that. When you're not healthy your time is spent with treatment and rehab. With the luxury of health, you have the luxury of time to work on stuff."
The Indians 5-2 lead lasted a full inning, then the Reds went to work against Shawn Morimando.
Brandon Dixon opened the fifth inning with a single. Jose Peraza'a single sent Dixon to third. Revere tripled over the head of centerfielder Tyler Naquin to get the Reds within a run. Winker's singled to score Revere. Eugenio Suarez walked. Gennett singled to load the bases. Scott Schebler's sacrifice fly gave the Reds the lead. Cameron Hill entered the game for Cleveland and got Adam Duvall to hit into a double play.
The minor leaguers for both teams took over.
Brian O'Grady homered for the Reds. The Indians scored a run off Jose Reyes on an RBI single by Drew Maggi.
Dylan Floro allowed a hit and a walk but nailed down the win with a scoreless ninth.
There will be more details tomorrow but Hamilton sprained the index finger on his left hand.
"It is my understanding that he caught a line drive in batting practice or where ever he was," said Price, who didn't see it happen. "He didn't think much about it but it swelled on him. It doesn't sound terribly significant."
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