Reds lack punch in loss vs. Phils
Harang gives up six-run second as Cincy batters struggle at the plate

PHILLIES 8, REDS 1
at Clearwater, Fla.
Tuesday, March 17
Reds on the mound: Right-hander Aaron Harang struggled in 3 1/3 innings. He allowed seven hits, six runs and three walks. He struck out two. Left-hander Aaron Fultz threw two-thirds of a scoreless inning. Right-handers Josh Roenicke and Mike Lincoln each threw a scoreless inning.


Phillies on the mound: Philadelphia might need right-hander Brett Myers to start Opening Day if Cole Hamels isn't ready to go. The veteran righty pitched well. Myers allowed four hits and struck out seven in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

Reds at the plate: Cincinnati managed just four hits through the first seven innings: Chris Dickerson and Ryan Hanigan singled, while Willy Taveras and Jay Bruce doubled.

Phillies at the plate: Philly pounced early. John Mayberry Jr. and Carlos Ruiz, who went 2-for-3, hit back-to-back doubles with one out in the second inning to start a six-run rally. Chase Utley walked with two outs and Eric Bruntlett followed with a double to make it 2-0. Raul Ibanez, who went 2-for-3, and Ryan Howard walked to force in another run. Matt Stairs then doubled to left-center field to clear the bases and make it 6-0. Utley, playing in his second Grapefruit League game, went 0-for-2 with two walks and two strikeouts.

Grapefruit League records: Reds 9-9; Phillies 7-10.

Up next: Edinson Volquez will make his third appearance, and second start, for the Reds on Wednesday when they meet the Rays at 1:05 p.m. ET in Port Charlotte, Fla. Jason Hammel is Tampa Bay's scheduled starter. There will also be another chance for fifth-starter candidate Micah Owing to continue his stellar spring when he comes out of the bullpen behind Volquez.

Left-hander J.A. Happ, who is co-leading the competition with right-hander Chan Ho Park for the fifth spot in the Phillies' rotation, starts Wednesday afternoon at 1:05 against the Toronto Blue Jays at Bright House Field. Right-hander Ryan Madson and left-hander Scott Eyre are also scheduled to pitch.