Brandon Phillips signs autographs for fans before the game
March 14, 2012 (Goodyear, AZ) - This was a split-squad game, and Dusty had roughly half the starters in, with the rest saved for the nightcap vs. the Dodgers. With the roster stretched thin, some minor league reinforcements were called in late in the game, including Brandon Phillips' kid brother, P.J. Phillips.
There's a family resemblance, though Patrick James Phillips is much taller and thinner than his older brother.
BP had his blinged-out gold glove.
Scott Rolen manned the hot corner.
Aroldis Chapman started for the Reds.
He got off to a bit of a rough start, giving up a single, a home run, and double in the first. Only one run scored, though, thanks to a pickoff.
Rolen hit a double off Padres starter Clayton Richard in the second.
Denis Phipps singled and Todd Frazier doubled, putting two runs on the board for the Reds.
After three innings, both teams pulled their starting pitchers.
The Reds put Jose Arredondo in.
He promptly gave up 4 runs, including a home run.
It's only spring training, I know, but I'm starting to get a little worried about Arredondo. Whether he pitches well or not, he'll probably stay on the roster, courtesy of his two-year contract.
The Padres sent in Casey Kelly - son of Billings Mustangs manager Pat Kelly.
He pitched 3 innings, giving up 5 hits, but no walks or run, and struck out 4.
Hey, who's that water boy? It's mini-Miggy! I guess I know why fans were telling Miguel Cairo that his son was cute.
Ron Mahay pitched the 5th. Cameron Maybin hit one pastadiving Cozart.
Not a great day for Zack Cozart. He had a throwing error on the next play. And was 0 for 3 at the plate. The Padres put another 3 runs (2 earned) on the board in the 5th. Making it 8-2 Padres.
Ryan Hanigan and Brandon Phillips each singled in the 5th.
But the rally fizzled in a strike 'em out throw 'em out double play, when Cozart struck out and Hanigan was caught stealing third.
Cozy did have a very nice play in 6th, making a diving catch and robbing Jaff Decker.
Willie Harris hit a leadoff single in the 6th.
The new center fielder, P.J. Phillips, came to bat.
He singles!
(And yes, big brother was cheering him on from the dugout rail.)
Once again, the rally fizzled, though. Lutz grounded into a forceout, and Cairo struck out.
PJ Phillips makes a catch in center field.
Andrew Brackman pitched the 8th. He only gave up one run, on a double and a single.
The Reds put a couple of runs on the board in the 8th. Willie Harris and Chris Valaika each doubled and Lutz singled.
Donnie Joseph pitched the 9th, giving up just one hit.
Former Reds first rounder Yasmani Grandal came to bat in the 9th.
Another former Red pitched the bottom of the 9th: Brad Boxberger.
The last time I saw him, he was wearing a Louisville Bats uniform.
He made short work of the Reds, quickly dispatching Wilson Valdez, Didi Gregorius, and Willie Harris. (Though he had an ERA of 22, so I guess it's not always so easy.)
The dugout was almost empty for the last third of the game. The starters never stick around, and with half the team preparing for the night game, it was even worse. But Brandon Phillips hung around, to support his brother. He didn't leave until the game was over. (Fans who didn't realize PJ was his brother were a little puzzled that he stayed in the dugout so long.)
Final score: Padres 9, Reds 4.