Mesoraco, Dominguez Homer As Cincinnati Reds Tie Rangers, 6-6

Mar 23, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds catcher

Devin Mesoraco

(39) swings the bat against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Reds got off to a shaky start against the Texas Rangers on Monday night. Jason Marquis, who got the start for the Reds, got in trouble early, allowing two walks and a stolen base, but got out of the inning without giving up a run. He wasn’t as lucky in the second inning, giving up two runs off of three hits, allowing a stolen base and balking making the score 2-0 Rangers. Marquis returned strong in the third, retiring the side in order, and not giving up another run to the Rangers.

The Reds got off to great start in the fourth inning, when Marlon Byrd hit a leadoff triple. One out later, Devin Mesoraco hit a two-run home run (his first of the spring), tying the game at two.

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Byrd got another leadoff hit to start the sixth inning for the Reds, continuing what has already been a red-hot spring for the Reds’ new left fielder. Todd Frazier followed, getting on base with a single, then Brennan Boesch hit a long sacrifice fly ball to bring home Byrd, giving the Reds a 3-2 lead. Chris Dominguez, who is also having a nice spring, then hit his second home run of the year, a two-run shot, giving the Reds a comfortable 5-2 lead.

Kevin Gregg pitched relief for the Reds in the seventh inning, looking strong and striking out the side.

Burke Badenhop didn’t fare as well against the Texas hitters when he entered in the eighth inning. Badenhop gave up four hits, two walks and four earned runs against eight batters, giving the Rangers a 6-5 lead over the Reds. It could have even been worse for the Reds if Billy Hamilton had not made a spectacular diving catch to end the inning and strand three Texas runners.

But the Reds came back strong in the ninth inning, loading the bases before Byrd drove in a run, tying the game at 6-6. Sam LeCure was able to shut down the Rangers in the bottom of the ninth, allowing one hit but striking out two, keeping the game tied and sending it into the tenth inning. Neither team was able to score, and the Reds and Rangers finished with a ten inning 6-6 tie.

Up Next: The Reds are off on Tuesday, but return to action on Wednesday with another game against the Rangers, this time in Goodyear at 10:05 p.m. ET. Anthony DeSclafani gets the start for the Reds.

Opening Day Countdown: 14 days!

Next: Reds release Juan Mijares, announce more roster cuts

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