Eds: Reds 7, Dodgers 6. Updates. With AP Photos.
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Alfredo Simon pitched two-hit ball over 4 2/3 innings and Scott Schebler hit a three-run double, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-6 Sunday.
Simon, who was with Cincinnati from 2012 through 2014, gave up one run in his second start since re-signing with the Reds on March 17.
Chase Utley hit his first spring homer, a two-run shot for the Dodgers.
Schebler, who moved from the Dodgers to the Reds in a three-team deal on Dec. 16, highlighted a five-run sixth with his drive off Luis Avilan.
Avilan had relieved starter Kenta Maeda, who scattered four hits and struck out five over 5 1/3 innings in his fifth spring start.
“Kenta is as good, if not better, than advertised,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “The way he has prepared has been seamless. It’s really been a pleasure.”
Dodgers third baseman Chase Utley hit his first spring homer, a two-run shot in the sixth.
STARTING TIME
Reds: Simon’s solid outing included two strikeouts. He walked only one.
“He looks sharp,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “He looks terrific. He had his whole repertoire down. That was pretty good to see, real good to see.”
Dodgers: Maeda came out of the game after his 85th pitch. An irritation at the end of the middle finger on his right hand appeared to bother him. But, he said through an interpreter, it was minor.
“No, no blister,” he said. “Just an extra layer of skin.”
Overall, the Japanese right-hander said he was pleased with his first spring camp in the United States.
“I think I’m ready to go,” said Maeda, who the Dodgers signed to an eight-year, $25 million contact on Jan. 7.
HOME RUN DINNER
Roberts owes Maeda a dinner after the Japanese pitcher homered off him in hitting drills.
Maeda, who put down a sacrifice bunt Sunday, was hitting homers with a Japanese-made bat when teammates jokingly told him he couldn’t hit one with an American brand.
When Maeda picked up an American bat, Roberts told him he’d buy him dinner if he hit out one of his first five pitches. Maeda hit Roberts’ first toss over the fence.
Maeda’s favorite meal?
“Steak,” he said, smiling when asked if he preferred them expensive.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Dodgers: OF Yasiel Puig missed his second straight game after he was scratched Saturday with tightness in his left hamstring. Roberts expects him to play Monday. … INF Howie Kendrick, sidelined by a mild injury to his left calf, will probably stay at Camelback Ranch for minor league games after the club leaves following Wednesday’s game for Los Angeles and the freeway series with the Angels. … C Yasmani Grandal, who is still troubled by a strained right forearm, might also stay in Arizona for few days. … INF Corey Seager, who is working his way back from a sprained left knee, could be back in a major league game this week, Roberts said. … RHP Yimi Garcia, who has had a sore left knee, worked two-thirds of an inning against the Reds.
UP NEXT
Reds: They are at home in Goodyear with RHP Robert Stephenson up from minor league camp for a spring start against Brewers RHP Chase Anderson.
Dodgers: They are at home with LHP Alex Wood set for his fourth start. He’ll face Rangers LHP Derek Holland.
