Reds Top White Sox, 9-7
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Todd Frazier had this one circled — his first game against his old team, the Cincinnati Reds.
"When you're playing your buddy in high school in a rivalry game, you always mark it down," Frazier said Saturday after his new team, the Chicago White Sox, lost to the Reds 9-7 in a split-squad game for both teams.
Ivan DeJesus and Adam Duvall each hit three-run homers off Carlos Rodon for Cincinnati.
For his part, Frazier was 2-for-3, including a single leading off the White Sox's six-run fourth inning against Brandon Finnegan.
The Cactus League season is nearly over, but this was the first meeting of the teams. The 30-year-old third baseman, acquired by Chicago in the offseason, said he'd probably play Wednesday when the White Sox visit the Reds in Goodyear.
"It was fun to see familiar faces," he said. "It looks like they're doing pretty well, so I'm happy for them."
At the same time, Frazier emphasized he's with the White Sox now. And Opening Day can't come soon enough for him.
"I feel like I'm ready to go," Frazier said. "I can't wait to see what we have in store. You get those nerves, I love the first day, you play in the cold, you've got goosebumps and the nice brisk air, you can't wait to hear the roar of the crowd. I'm getting hyped up about it already."
STARTING TIME
Reds: Finnegan will be part of Cincinnati's rotation, but his last two starts haven't gone well. Last time out he lasted one inning against Arizona, giving up six runs.
This one went better until Chicago teed off with a six-run fourth. He walked three in the inning, four in the game, and was removed after Adam Eaton's two-run single gave the White Sox a 7-4 lead. He was charged with seven runs, six of them earned. He did strike out six.
White Sox: After a pair of scoreless outings, Rodon has struggled and was hit around by the Reds on Saturday.
Rodon gave up 10 of them and all nine Cincinnati runs. He walked two and struck out three in 4 1/3 innings.
He said he couldn't get his best pitch, the slider, over the plate on Saturday and hitters just feasted on the fastball.
"It went downhill in the third and fourth," he said.
Most of Rodon's attention has been on other pitches as he enters his second big-league season.
"I've got to focus on some stuff," Rodon said. "I just gotta get that pitch ready."
Rodon's next start figures to be in the opening series at Oakland.
REDS ADD RIGHTY
The Reds signed right-hander Ross Ohlendorf, who was released by Kansas City on Wednesday. The 33-year-old pitched for Texas last season, going 3-1 with a 3.72 ERA in 19 innings for the AL West champions. He has also pitched for the Yankees, Pirates, Padres and Nationals.
TRAINER'S ROOM
White Sox: Alex Avila left in the fourth inning with lower back stiffness. Hector Sanchez replaced him behind the plate.
"It's something I deal with every year. Usually it's a lot worse," Avila said.
"It's like I'm breaking in my body to catch again. I go four months without catching. Once I get over it, I normally don't have any issues."
NEXT UP
Reds: Alfredo Simon gets the start against the Dodgers in Glendale.
White Sox: Mat Latos faces Jake Peavy and the Giants in Scottsdale.
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