Cincinnati Reds secure a narrow 5-4 win over Los Angeles Angels – MLB Spring Training
Cincinnati Reds secured a narrow 5-4 win over Los Angeles Angels at the Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona on Wednesday, March 28 in their Cactus League encounter of the 2012 Major League Baseball Spring Training Session.
Outfielder Ryan Ludwick, who was struggling to find his form, had two-out and a two run home runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to help the Reds edge Los Angeles. Dan Haren and Bronson Arroyo also had decent outings.
Allowing just two runs and nine hits in just over five innings, Haren threw 90 solid pitches. Arroyo gave up two runs and four hits in his longest performance of this spring (six innings).
"My arm felt a little bit dead," Haren said. "It feels a little slow. I was labouring in the first couple innings, but that's what builds endurance. That's what spring training is for. Spring training is getting monotonous, but I'm right where I need to
be."
"He wanted to play," Baker said. "I was going to send him home. He said he felt better. I sent him (Tuesday) to quarantine him so the other guys wouldn't get sick."
"Bronson threw the ball great," Baker said. "His command, everything was much better."
The win will be of great importance for the Reds who have struggled to gain winning momentum since the start of their 2012 Spring Training campaign. With just eleven wins and 16 defeats, the Reds have not been able to execute their game plan in most of their
spring games.
Reds’ Manager Dusty Baker will be quite pleased with what he saw from his players on Wednesday. Showing great determination, fighting spirit and mental strength, the Reds battled past their rivals in an extremely competitive contest. It will be interesting
to see if the Reds can manufacture similar performances in the upcoming regular season to make it to the playoffs.
The Angels, on the other hand, will be disheartened by the fact they were unable to control their nerves under pressure. However, considering the depth and quality in their hitting and pitching lineups, they are expected to bounce back strongly.
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