The Reds Hit Four Homers Hunter Greene Pitches Four Good Innings To Break Camp With Momentum

 

 

The Reds scored in double digits for the third straight day in a 12-9 win over the Seattle Mariners for their 10th win.

eThe wind was blowing out so home runs were plentiful as the Reds squared off against former mates Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez.  Suarez hit one of two home runs off Hunter Greene who will make his major league debut on Sunday against the Atlanta Braves. Jarred Kelenic followed Suarez with one of his own.

Jonathan India hit one of the four hit by the Reds, leading off the game against Chris Flexin.

Nick Senzel, Tyler Naquin and Brandon Drury hit the others.

Greene pitched four innings, allowing just the two runs on three hits.  He walked two and struck out four.  The only real damage was the two home runs and they may have been tainted by a strong wind out to right field.

"I made some good adjustments going into that third inning with instant feedback from the hitters," Greene said. "I'm really happy with how I was able to turn it around that's what it's about.  The home runs weren't really home runs in my eyes.  It is just how it is.  You've got to read the flags."

David Bell was pleased with Greene's final tune up.

"The last two innings were probably the best I've ever seen him," Bell said.  "He had the couple home runs that got up in the air a little bit.  The wind, they might have been home runs anyway but after that he settled in his tempo changed a little bit.  Whatever he threw, he was keeping them off balance.  I think something clicked for him that he can take into the season."

The regulars left after two at bats and the game turned weird with minor leaguers in the game.

Ten runs were scored in the eighth inning, five by each team.  There was a steal of home by Allen Cordoba of the Reds when a pick off attempt was wide and even thought the first baseman caught it his momentum away from the plate allowed Cordoba to race home.  Leonardo Balcazar stole second and third with Ilvin Fernandez taking second on the back end.  Both scored when Austin Calahan struck out on a checked swing as the ball went to the backstop.  Balcazar scored on the wild pitch and Fernandez scored the go ahead run when the catcher's throw to the pitcher covering got away and rolled in the infield.  Drury homer plated the last two runs of the spring.

"We got the starters out early feeling good," Bell said.  "It's good to have a little momentum going into the season."