Reds rough up Masterson early

Associated Press

GOODYEAR, Ariz.

Jay Bruce and Joey Votto each drove in a pair of runs off Justin Masterson, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 12-7 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Monday. Bruce singled, doubled and walked in three plate appearances.

The Reds roughed up Masterson, who is scheduled to start Cleveland’s season opener. He retired only four batters, allowing six runs on five hits and three walks.

Masterson started slowly in spring training last year, but matched Josh Tomlin for the team lead with 12 wins and pitched a career-high 216 innings. He appears to have recovered from surgery on his left (non-throwing) shoulder.

“It was good to get my feet wet and face some hitters,” said Masterson, who was pleased with how he felt. “I’m at the exact same spot I’m in every spring training, so it’s perfect.”

Manager Manny Acta wasn’t concerned by Masterson’s first showing.

“Spring training is for the guys that have already made the team [to] get ready for the season,” Acta said.

Michael Brantley, who is moving to center field to replace the injured Grady Sizemore, opened the game with a triple. He also doubled off Mike Leake in the exhibition opener on Saturday.

Pirates 10, Orioles (ss) 3

SARASOTA, Fla.

Brian Matusz pitched two ineffective innings in his spring debut, and a split-squad of Orioles lost to the Pirates.

Matt Hague hit a two-run homer in the second inning and finished with three RBIs for the Pirates, who had 18 hits. Hague, Alex Presley and Starling Marte each had three hits.

Pittsburgh starter Jo-Jo Reyes gave up an unearned run and three hits in 12/3 innings.