Hunter Greene Does It Again Four Strong Innings Against Padres A Lineup

 

 

 

 

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Dateline: 318 kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Hunter Greene pitched another strong four innings against the San Diego Padres. The lone blemish was a long home run on the first pitch in the fourth inning. He proceeded to strike out Jackson Merrill, Manny Machado and Jake Croneworth after that to conclude his outing.

Greene threw 49 pitches in the game. He was supposed to throw 65 so he went to the bullpen to throw 16 more.

He pitched four innings, allowing one run on three hits. He issued no walks and struck out five.

“This was another positive step; very much so,” Greene said. “I was moving the ball around the secondaries (pitches) felt great. I was getting ahead, throwing strikes against a very, very good lineup. It’s exciting facing an A lineup. We play for that to play against the best. I had a lot of fun, the first time facing the Padres.”

“Tatis, I just patted him on the butt, I got him. He got me. It was just good competitive fun,” Greene said. “After that hit, we set them down 1-2-3. I felt like it was a good way to end the game.”

Francona basically repeated himself from Greene’s last start.

“He (Greene) was really good. Anytime you see a pitcher go back to the bullpen that’s good. He threw his fastball up and down in the zone. He threw more good splits especially as we got into the game. As we get out of Arizona, I think it will be a better pitch. He threw some good ones.”

“He’s a young player who looks like he’s taking another step. That happens with guys. Just the way he works. DJ (Derek Johnson) was even talking about his side days, his throwing program. That’s what good young players do.”

The Reds won 9-3.

Hitters:

Jeimer Candelario followed an RBI single by Elly De La Cruz with a long home run off San Diego starter Michael King. Candelario had a wisdom tooth removed and has been the designated hitter since.

TJ Friedl had a hit and drove in two runs. He finished the game, hitting .364.

Matt McLain hit a double.

Elly De La Cruz hit a run-scoring single.

Santiago Espinal had two hits, including a double. He sits at .348 for the spring.

Sammy Stafura, the Reds’ second round draft choice in 2023, had two hits in two at bats.

Blake Dunn singled to score a run in the eighth inning. He hit it so hard that it tipped off Nico Goodrum’s glove and hit him in the face. He walked out under his own power.