GOODYEAR, Ariz.
Anthony DeSclafani threw four scoreless innings for Cincinnati as he competes for a rotation spot, and the Reds lost to the Colorado Rockies 1-0 Saturday.
The favorite to win one of two open starting jobs finished his day by striking out Nick Hundley with the bases loaded.
“He is aggressive. He doesn’t mess around,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He was able to pitch out of trouble.”
The 24-year-old DeSclafani overcame control trouble.
“I put myself in a hole, but ended up working out of it. I don’t like walking people,” DeSclafani said.
Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles allowed one hit over three innings, striking out three to help his more solid standing with Colorado.
“There were a couple of unnecessary walks, but I was able to get a couple of groundballs,” Lyles said.
Jay Bruce was hitless in three plate appearances in his first game back after being out most of the week with a strained right calf. The Reds right fielder threw out Brandon Barnes trying to advance to third base on Carlos Gonzalez’s second hit.
“My timing is better than I expected,” Gonzalez said. “I’m seeing the ball really, really well. One of the things I had in mind is to hit the ball the other way.”
Gonzalez doubled to left in the first inning.
Jason Bourgeois, trying to earn a spot as the Reds’ fourth outfielder, left the game after bunting Eugenio Suarez to third in the second inning.
Bourgeois is having his left shoulder examined, Reds trainer Paul Lessard said.
Lyles made 22 starts for Colorado last season. He has pitched well this spring, allowing one earned run in seven innings. He struck out Brandon Phillips twice with a changeup he’s been working on.
“I worked on the grip to my change when I came back last year. There will be no more tinkering with it,” he said.
