The Arizona Diamondbacks rolled to a 11-6 victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Monday in spring training action. James McCann paced the offense, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBI, giving the coaching staff plenty to be encouraged about as the exhibition schedule continues. On the mound, Ryne Nelson turned in a solid outing, working 4.0 innings of 1-run ball with six strikeouts. The Diamondbacks finished with 14 hits on the day while holding the Reds to 9. It was an encouraging performance for the Diamondbacks as they continue sharpening the roster for the regular season. Games like these serve as a valuable measuring stick for where the team stands heading into the campaign.
Key Performers
James McCann was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, and three RBI. The long ball provided a major boost to the offensive attack. It was the kind of day at the plate that suggests good things ahead for the Diamondbacks offense.
LuJames Groover chipped in, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI, Tim Tawa added to the attack, going 1-for-2 with two RBI, and Jacob Amaya provided support, going 3-for-4. It was a balanced attack that kept the pressure on from the first pitch to the last.
On the other side of the diamond, JJ Bleday led the Reds offense with a 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and two RBI day. Nathaniel Lowe also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Rece Hinds added a 1-for-1 with a home run and an RBI effort as well. Despite those contributions, the Diamondbacks pitching staff did enough to limit the damage and secure the victory.
On the Mound
Ryne Nelson earned the win after pitching effectively, working 4.0 innings while allowing 1 earned run on 4 hits with six strikeouts. He threw 66 pitches in the outing. His outing provided the coaching staff with another data point as rotation and bullpen decisions loom.
The bullpen combined for 4.3 innings of work, allowing 5 earned runs while striking out seven. The relief corps did its job in protecting the lead after the starter departed. Managing the bullpen workload is a key priority during the spring, and every outing helps the coaching staff gauge who is ready for high-leverage situations.
Among the relievers, Philip Abner stood out with 1.2 innings of 1-run work, striking out two. The outing gave the coaching staff confidence in his ability to contribute this season.
How It Happened
The Diamondbacks struck first, tallying a run in the first inning. The Diamondbacks added five runs in the third. Reds responded with a run in the fourth. The Diamondbacks countered with four runs in the fourth. Reds struck back with three runs in the fifth. The Diamondbacks answered with a run in the fifth. Reds responded with a run in the seventh. Reds pushed across a run in the eighth. The Diamondbacks spread their scoring across four different innings, applying consistent pressure throughout the game. The Diamondbacks out-hit Reds 14-9 on the day, with 3 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 10,807 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was a productive day for the Diamondbacks, who continue to put the pieces in place ahead of the regular season. The coaching staff will take the positives from this outing and use the remaining spring games to finalize the roster. Days like this one suggest the Diamondbacks are heading in the right direction as Opening Day draws closer.