Reds Diamondbacks Deadlocked Matt Kemp and Tanner Roark Put Appear Ready

The Reds split squad played the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 3-3 tie.

Tanner Roark, obtained from Washington this winter, got in three innings of scoreless baseball.  He allowed a single to David Peralta and struck out two for the Freddie Benevides led road squad.

"Tanner was good.  He got three innings of work, was very efficient," said Benevides, who can claim to be undefeated.

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Roark is the first Reds' pitcher to pitch three innings.  He has allowed one earned run in his team-leading 5 1/3 innings, allowing three hits and striking out five.

"It felt really good. I'm starting to get that timing down that I've been working on a lot," Roark said. "I worked in the off-season and in all my bullpens to get the ball moving the way it is supposed to. Then every pitch looks the same.  For the most part I was heavy in the strike zone with no walks. I was happy with the pitch count. I was attacking the strike zone and getting the hitters to feel uncomfortable, using every pitch to every hitter."

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Matt Kemp hit his second home run this spring.  It was a solo home run off Greg Holland.  It left the playing surface in deep left center field.  Kemp is seeing the ball well this early in spring.  He also drew a walk in his three plate appearances.

"He's having some good at bats," Benevides said. "It was good to see the home run.  He's seeing the ball well. It's always good when you're seeing the ball like that, this early or anytime, really.  When you're hitting well, it doesn't matter when it is.  You get that confidence and you're feeling good."

Kyle Farmer, who has played shortstop, third base and caught Roark today.  He continues to hit with a single and a double.  The single came in the second.  He was doubled to third by Connor Joe, who is also moving around the diamond.  Farmer scored on Taylor Trammell's ground out to first.

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Farmer has been at shortstop, third and catcher.  He worked well with Roark.

"He's great. We are getting to know each other.  This is back-to-back starts we've been together," Roark said.  "He gives a great target.  It is amazing that he can play all those positions.  I want to see him play shortstop."

Keury Mella gave up two runs in two innings.  Christian Walker, who was a Reds' player from March 6 through March 28 in 2017, doubled home two runs off Mella.  Walker was claimed off waivers from the Atlanta Braves where he was blocked by Freddie Freeman.  The Reds let him go when it was certain that Joey Votto was healthy.  The Diamondbacks picked him up.  He played in the minors mostly last year but now has a good chance to stick since Paul Goldschmidt was traded to St. Louis for Andy Young, Carson Kelly and Luke Weaver.

Couttney Hawkins, a former first round draft choice for the Chicago White Sox in h 2012, belted a home run in the eighth for the Reds.  The home off Taylor Clarke put the Reds ahead briefly.

The Diamondbacks tied the game in the bottom of the inning off Buddy Borshers.

Cody Reed recovered from a bad outing with a scoreless inning.  Anthony Bass and Jimmy Herget also pitched a scoreless frame.

David Bell's home boys dropped a 9-1 decision to the Chicago Cubs.  Aristedes Aquino accounted for the lone run in that one with a home run.