Votto helps power Reds by Angels, 8-5

Published 1:47 am Tuesday, March 8, 2016

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — Joey Votto hit one of Cincinnati’s three homers off Matt Shoemaker, leading the Reds to an 8-5 win over a Los Angeles Angels split squad on Monday.

Votto and Jordan Pacheco hit their first homers back-to-back during a four-run third inning. Votto also bunted to reach base with two outs in the first inning and came around to score.

Adam Duvall homered and tripled for the Reds. Scott Schebler, competing with Duvall for the starting left field job, singled, doubled and stole a base.

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The power was nice, but Reds manager Bryan Price was happy with bunt singles by Votto and Jay Bruce.

“It’s been a focus,” Price said. “The way teams want to defend them with shifts. It’s nice to see their hard work rewarded.”

Shortstop Jose Peraza, who came from the Dodgers in the three-team deal for Cincinnati star Todd Frazier, singled, doubled and stole two bases. He also made a barehanded play to get Johnny Giavotella on a slow roller with the bases loaded.

Shoemaker gave up seven of the eight runs.

“It was one of those days that everything they did was right. Everything I did was wrong,” said Shoemaker of his first start and second appearance. “I’ll take the rest of the day and go back to work tomorrow.”

Jefry Marte hit a three-run homer for the Angels. Daniel Nava, who signed as a free agent, had two hits and a walk.

STARTING TIME

Angels: Shoemaker, trying to win a job in the back end of the rotation, gave up 10 hits in three innings.

“I’m just going about my business. I don’t think about it,” said Shoemaker of his quest to win a starter’s job. “When you have games like this, it doesn’t sit to well in your mind but I’ll come back in tomorrow and have a fresh start.”

Reds: Cody Reed improved his chances of winning a starter’s role on the Reds’ young staff. He pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits with one strikeout. He broke three Angels’ bats in the process.

“I had nerves again,” Reed said of his first start after one appearance as the second pitcher in. “I got to go through my daily routine. The nerves were there but once you get on the mound you know you’re out there for a reason. Both of the hits they got were on shattered bats, Tucker Barnhart was laughing. He said, ‘If those are the only hits you give up, you’re doing all right.”’

TRAINER’S ROOM

Angels: RHP Andrew Heaney continues his daily routine after he was scratched from his start Saturday with an illness.

Reds: Raisel Iglesias is scheduled to face hitters in live batting practice, the next step to pitching in Cactus League games. Iglesias was shut down with shoulder fatigue in September. The Reds decided to start him slowly this spring. … SS Zack Cozart is progressing and expected to appear in games next week… Billy Hamilton has been held out of games with shoulder pain from September surgery.

UP NEXT

Angels: RHP Garrett Richards is scheduled to start against the Diamondbacks LHP Robbie Ray on the road on Tuesday.

Reds: RHP Anthony DeSclafani will pitch a night game in Scottsdale against the Giants and Madison Bumgarner.