Desmond, Moreland homer, Rangers beat Reds
GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- Ian Desmond and Mitch Moreland each hit their first homers of the spring, leading the Texas Rangers over the Cincinnati Reds 11-5 on Wednesday.
Desmond signed with the Rangers after spring training had already started. The longtime Washington shortstop is being moved to left field by Texas.
"I'm just trying to lay off tough pitches," said Desmond, who has had few chances since making the shift. "It comes with the territory. It is what I signed up for."
Chi Chi Gonzalez, trying to earn the fifth starter's role for Texas, pitched three scoreless innings. The Rangers turned two double plays behind him.
"I was having trouble getting my four-seamer. It was just off," Gonzalez said. "I went to the sinker and got ground balls when I needed them."
Tyler Holt, who is in the mix for the Reds' open left field job, had two hits. Adam Duvall, another competitor for the outfield job, was 0 for 3 and dropped a fly ball that allowed a run.
Tim Melville started for Cincinnati in place of Michael Lorenzen, who has inflammation in his right elbow. Melville allowed Moreland's solo homer.
"Melville was having a tough time locating his fastball early," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "Patience is a virtue early in spring training. It's never any fun but I thought he did a really good job of competing."
Drew Stubbs hit a two-run homer for Texas off Ryan Mattheus.
STARTING TIME
Rangers: Gonzalez, the Rangers first draft choice in 2013, pitched three scoreless innings in his quest for the fifth starter's job.
"I try not to put pressure on myself," Gonzalez said. "I'm trying to take it like I did last year but I'm concentrating on working to both sides of the plate."
Reds: Melville spent last season in the Detroit Tigers organization. The Reds signed the 26-year old to compete with several others for a spot in the rotation. He allowed two runs one earned on three hits and a walk.
NASCAR TRIBUTE
Phoenix International Raceway is the sight of Sunday's NASCAR race. The Fry's Chevrolet car owned by JTG Daugherty Racing and driven A.J. Allmendinger is visiting the Reds' spring training camp on Thursday. The car features a tribute to the Reds' longtime, popular clubhouse manager Bernie Stowe., He passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 80. Stowe started as a Reds batboy in 1947 at the age of 12. He was the Reds clubhouse manager from 1968 until he retired in 2013.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rangers: 2B Rougned Odor is day-to-day with a strained right oblique. ... RHP Shawn Tolleson has not pitched in a game yet due to a stiff lower back. He will throw a bullpen on Thursday.
Reds: C Devin Mesoraco, who had surgery to repair a hip impingement, is experiencing tightness in his quad muscle. He is resuming baseball activities after few days rest. "I've been doing catching drills the last day or two," Mesoraco said. "I don't expect to wait much longer to get into a game. I'm tired of sitting on the bench." ... OF Billy Hamilton (shoulder) took some swings without pain and will hit off a tee today... RHP Michael Lorenzen was scratched from his start on Wednesday with tenderness in his right elbow. An ultrasound revealed inflammation but no damage. Lorenzen will get a couple days of rest.
UP NEXT
Rangers: RHP Nick Martinez will pitch for the Rangers against the visiting White Sox and RHP Jose Quintana.
Reds: LHP Brandon Finnegan will start for the Reds at the Rockies. LHP Jorge De La Rosa will pitch for the Rockies.
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