A’s, Hahm rout Reds, 8-1

Published 9:55 pm Saturday, March 21, 2015

MESA, Ariz. (AP) — Brett Lawrie is getting used to his new surroundings with the Oakland Athletics. He looked quite comfortable on Saturday.

Lawrie hit a three-run shot for his first spring homer and made a nice play in the field, leading Oakland to an 8-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

“When you hit a ball off the barrel of the bat, it feels great,” Lawrie said. “I got a feel for the distance.”

Email newsletter signup

Lawrie was acquired in an offseason trade with Toronto. He hit .247 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs in 70 games last season with the Blue Jays.

“It’s fun to be part of this group,” he said. “I’ve played against them but you really get to know them when you play with them.”

Josh Phegley hit a two-run homer in Oakland’s third straight win. Marcus Semien doubled in a run, and Eric Sogard had two hits and an RBI.

Cincinnati’s Raisel Iglesias allowed three runs, all in the first, and five hits in three innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

“I’ve never had a season ahead of me that was this long,” Iglesias said through an interpreter. “I’m ready for the challenge.”

Marlon Byrd and Kristopher Negron each had two hits for the Reds.

Lawrie also made a great play at third in the fourth, preventing a run.

STARTING TIME:

Reds: Iglesias remains in the competition for a starting spot. The Cuban right-hander dismissed his rocky start and said he continues to focus on what he needs to do.

“It doesn’t bother me what happens,” Iglesias said through an interpreter. “I stayed calm and concentrated on being able to get out of the inning. I feel happy that this opportunity is being presented to me but I have to keep working harder.”

TRAINER’S ROOM:

wHomer Bailey (right forearm surgery) is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game Sunday after an illness prevented him from throwing a simulated game earlier in the week.

A’s: OF Sam Fuld took batting practice a day after getting hit in the jaw by an errant throw. He is expected to miss a couple of days. … OF Billy Burns was given a day off after getting hit by a pitch on his left knee Friday. He is expected back in the lineup Sunday.

UP NEXT:

Reds: RHP Mike Leake will start Sunday’s game against the A’s in Goodyear. Leake has yet to allow a run over his first three appearances, a span of nine innings.

Athletics: RHP Kevin Graveman makes the start against Cincinnati.