Arroyo, Bruce trigger Reds win over Rockies

Published 2:57 am Tuesday, March 19, 2013

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Jay Bruce hit a long home run and Bronson Arroyo pitched effectively into the sixth inning, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-3 win over the Colorado Rockies on Monday night.

Bruce’s shot, which landed near the top of the lawn seating behind the right-field fence, came on a full-count pitch from reliever Christian Friedrich in the sixth inning. Bruce struck out in his other two at-bats.

Arroyo allowed a run and scattered five hits in 5 2-3 innings. He walked two and struck out one.

Email newsletter signup

Colorado starter Jorge De La Rosa gave up a run on two hits and two walks in five innings.

Before the game, Rockies manager Walt Weis said Jhoulys Chacin will be the team’s opening day starter and Jeff Francis will start the home opener.

NOTES: Reds Reliever J.J. Hoover struck out all four batters he faced. . CF Billy Hamilton tripled in his first at-bat. . Reds 2B Brandon Phillips was scratched from the lineup and given the day off to rest after returning from the World Baseball Classic. He was replaced by Cesar Izturis. . Colorado CF Dexter Fowler homered in his first at-bat. . Colorado assigned RHP Mike McClendon, LHP Nick Schmidt, C Jose Gonzalez, INF Tommy manzella, INF Henry Wrigley ad OF Kent Matthes to its minor league camp. . On Tuesday, Juan Nicasio will start for Colorado, which plays at Kansas City, and Homer Bailey will start for Cincinnati, which hosts the Chicago White Sox.