Elly De La Cruz And Blake Dunn Homer In Loss To Kansas City

 

 

 

Dateline: 318 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

March 20

Elly De La Cruz hit his fourth home run of the spring in the first inning with Matt McLain on base, against the Kansas City Royals. De La Cruz hit three home runs in the first three games of spring. He’s reached base in every game but one.

The Reds offense built a 7-2 lead going into the eighth inning. Bryan Shaw allowed three runs and left the game with tightness in the back of his leg. John Murphy gave up six as the Royals won 11-8.

Graham Ashcraft was scheduled to start but manager Terry Francona elected to push him back to a relief role both in this game and during the season.

“I feel like my personality type will fit it pretty well. I’m excited for it,” Ashcraft said. “I’ll roll with the punches, get going and see what happens. I’ve been talking to the guys and getting some good info from guys who have been starters and transitioned to the bullpen or like (Nick) Martinez, who has been a starter and reliever. I have to figure out what works for me. I relieved three or four times in college. The adrenaline rush is awesome. I’m excited to experience that side of it.”

Ashcraft faced the minimum nine batters in his three hitless innings. He allowed a walk to Nick Lofton but coaxed a double play from Nelson Velazquez.

Brent Suter, Emilio Pagan, and Joe La Rosa pitched one scoreless inning each. Scott Barlow allowed two runs in his inning. He has allowed four runs in eight games, covering eight innings.

The Reds offense was heating up in this game.

De La Cruz was 2-for-3 with a walk to raise his spring average to .410. Austin Hays had two hits, including a run-scoring double. Jose Trevino, who signed a contract extension on March 20, drove in two runs with a single. Blake Dunn was 2-for-2 with a home run, his second of the spring. He is hitting .317. Jeimer Candelario singled home a run.