Phillip Ervin provides bright spots for Reds in spring loss
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Mark Reynolds hit one of Colorado's three homers and Ben Paulson drove in three runs, leading the Rockies over the Cincinnati Reds 9-3 Sunday.
Reynolds singled in the first inning off Jon Moscot, one of the numerous pitchers competing for three open spots in the Reds' rotation. Reynolds hit his first spring homer off Pedro Villarreal in the sixth.
"Reynolds has big-time raw power. He's been doing this for a long time," Rockies manager Walt Weiss said. "When he clicks it, it really goes."
David Dahl and Trevor Story also homered for the Rockies.
Phillip Ervin, the Reds' top pick in the 2013 draft, homered for the second consecutive day. Eugenio Suarez, who is moving from shortstop to third base to replace the traded Todd Frazier, hit safely in his fourth straight game.
"As a staff we weren't very sharp today," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Phillip Ervin with a homer and a base hit were the bright spots in an otherwise blah day."
Cincinnati's Tyler Holt ran into the left field fence while making the catch in the second inning. He appeared to be stunned but remained in the game.
FIRST TIME OUT
Rockies: INF/OF Ryan Raburn had four at bats in a "B" game Sunday against the Diamondbacks. Raburn signed a minor league contract with the Rockies on Friday. "He was more on time with each at-bat," Weiss said. "We will get him in a (major league) game soon. It will be up to him really. I don't want to put him in a situation like that when he's not ready."
Reds: Eric Jagielo, who came to the Reds from the Yankees as part of the trade for closer Aroldis Chapman, played in his first game. He had knee surgery in June.
STARTING TIME
Rockies: Christian Bergman is competing for a spot in the rotation. He was used in long relief and as a spot starter last season. He allowed a hit and a walk in two innings.
Reds: Moscot made his second start and pitched three innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, including a home run by Dahl. Moscot struck out three.
"I need to work on pitch selection a little bit better," Moscot said. "I threw too many fastballs. It's something I'm usually good with."
"Jon wasn't sharp," Price said. "He couldn't locate his fastball and got behind with it."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rockies: The Rockies are waiting for the results of an MRI on RHP Jairo Diaz, who has discomfort in his elbow. ... Gerardo Parra had a sore heel after Saturday's game with the Padres.
Reds: CF Billy Hamilton's workouts have been scaled back after he reported pain in his right shoulder from swinging a bat. Hamilton had shoulder surgery in September and was easing his way onto the field as a DH. ... Price expects Zack Cozart to start playing in games this week. He's recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.
UP NEXT
Rockies: RH Jon Gray is scheduled to start when they host the Cubs and RH Aaron Brooks on Monday.
Reds: The Reds host the Angels on Monday. Rookie LH Cody Reed is scheduled to start. RH Matt Shoemaker is the Angels' scheduled starter.
