Leake sharp as Reds blank Angels, 6-0

Published 3:08 am Thursday, March 11, 2010

TEMPE, Ariz. — Reds prospect Mike Leake threw two crisp innings in Cincinnati’s 6-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday.

Leake, the eighth overall pick in last year’s draft, allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one.

“It was kind of fun facing some major leaguers,” he said, “facing some people I’ve been watching on TV. … I was hoping it was their big guys. That’s what I need to face. It’s kind of like a dream come true right now.”

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Leake, who played college ball at nearby Arizona State, followed Mike Lincoln and Arthur Rhodes for the Reds. Lincoln struck out two over two hitless innings in his second spring start, and Rhodes allowed a hit in the third.

Lincoln struggled in Cincinnati’s first spring game, allowing four runs and seven hits in 1 1-3 innings against Cleveland.

Trevor Reckling, one of Los Angeles’ top pitching prospects, gave up a run and a hit in two innings. The left-hander went 9-9 with a 2.68 ERA in 26 starts between Class-A Rancho Cucamonga and Double-A Arkansas last season.

“Reckling got a little bit tired, but you could see his stuff was there,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said.

Sean O’Sullivan pitched three scoreless innings for Los Angeles, allowing just one hit.

The Angels finished with just three hits against five Cincinnati pitchers.