Colerain UC Grad Ryan Atkinson Shut Down Reds Farmhands In Pensacola

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Ryan Atkinson rebounded from a tough outing against the Atlanta Braves Mississippi Double A farm team to shut down some future Reds in Pensacola on Sunday.

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Atkinson, a non-drafted free agent, has been pitching his way into prominence in the Arizona Diamondbacks system.  He was chosen to pitch in the Arizona Fall League last October with a 1-2 record with a 3.00 ERA in 21 innings.  Atkinson was invited to Major League spring training.  He made his spring debut against the Reds on February 26. He allowed one run on a hit and a walk in 1 2/3 innings. Atkinson struck out Stuart Turner and Brandon Dixon.  He allowed a single to Sebastian Elizarde and walked Mason Williams.  He retired Nick Senzel on a fly out. Shed Long doubled to score Williams after Atkinson left the game.   He pitched 6 1/3 innings in Spring Training to get his feet wet.

Atkinson pitched a season-high six innings and struck out 10 future Reds working their way to Cincinnati with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

The 25-year old as of May 10, shut out the likes of Aristedes Aquino, Shed Long, Gavin LaValley, Taylor Sparks and Brian O'Grady.

The right-hander stayed behind in extended spring with a cut on his index finger.   He returned to the Jackson Generals in the Southern League on April 13.  Atkinson had a rough first start, allowing three runs in 2 2/3 innings but reeled off five straight starts pitching into or completing five innings allowing two runs.  He had a real bad start against Mississippi on May 15, giving up six runs in four innings. Until he rebounded with his outing against the Blue Wahoos.

Atkinson stands at eight starts with a 2-4 record.  He has a 4.42 ERA over 36 2/3 innings, walking 14 but striking out 46.

On Sunday, Atkinson faced off with Reds' reliever Michael Lorenzen, who was completing his rehab.

"He shut us down," Lorenzen said.  "He's a stud.  I was hoping to hit off him but they wouldn't let me."

Atkinson was the final hitter Lorenzen faced.   "I got him on a sinker," said Lorenzen of Atkinson's ground out to short.