WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — Reggie Taylor had three RBIs, including a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the ninth inning, to give the Cincinnati Reds a 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians on yesterday.
Reds shortstop Barry Larkin sustained a right elbow contusion when hit by a pitch by Cleveland starter Ricardo Rodriguez. “Barry should be fine,” manager Bob Boone said. “I’m glad it was not worse.”
Ben Broussard hit his second homer of the spring for Cleveland, a shot directly over the 420-foot sign in center.
“That one felt real good, especially to do something against the Reds,” said Broussard, who was acquired from Cincinnati last June in a deal that sent Russell Branyan to the Reds.
Danny Graves, seeking a spot in the Reds’ starting rotation after four years as the team’s closer, pitched three strong innings. “The mental adjustment is just as big as building up stamina and endurance,” said Graves, who allowed one run and seven hits. “I made 60 pitches. It didn’t feel like that many at all.
“I did a lot of training to get ready for this role. I think I’m strong enough. What I need to do is not worry about trying to be perfect. “As a starter, I can’t be afraid to give up a hit or two. I gave up seven hits, but only one run. If I gave up seven hits as a closer, forget it.” John Riedling (1-0) pitched a hitless eighth and Kent Mercker a hitless ninth for his first save.
Cleveland rookie catcher Josh Bard went 3-for-3 and has hit safely in his last six times up.
“Josh does such a good job defensively that sometimes his hitting gets overlooked,” Indians manager Eric Wedge said. “He handles the bat well, too, and obviously is making good contact right now.”
Cleveland reliever Mark Wohlers, who had elbow soreness early in camp, made his game debut, allowing an unearned run in a hitless inning.
“I cut loose for the first time, threw only fastballs, but felt good,” Wohlers said. “I was a little nervous. I think if you don’t feel a little nervous against the first batter you face in the spring, it is time to go find another job.”
Notes: The Reds agreed to terms with OF Adam Dunn on a one-year contract, leaving INF-OF Russell Branyan, OF Ruben Mateo and RHP Chris Reitsma unsigned. … Indians OF Karim Garcia strained his left groin and did not play. He is day-to-day. “I slipped on the damp grass before the game,” Garcia said, who added that the injury is not as severe as a similar one that shut down his winter league season in Mexico in November. … Indians DH Ellis Burks went 1-for-3 in his first game after missing three with a sore left wrist. … Indians rookie C Victor Martinez hit a homer in a 10-3 loss to Pittsburgh in a “B” game in Bradenton.
