Jay Bruce’s Big Day Helps Cincinnati Reds Take Down Brewers, 10-4

W: Michael Lorenzen (3-0)

L: Mike Fiers (1-2)

The Cincinnati Reds scored double digit runs for the sixth time this spring, downing the Milwaukee Brewers, 10-4, on Tuesday.

Michael Lorenzen got the start for the Reds and struggled initially, giving up a walk and two hits to the first three batters he faced, including an RBI single to Ryan Braun. The right-hander was able to bounce back, however, and didn’t give up a run in his final three innings. In total, Lorenzen gave up just one run on four hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four innings. After rough outing from Raisel Iglesias in his last start, it’s possible that Lorenzen now has the upper hand for the final starting rotation spot.

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Leading the Reds’ offense was Jay Bruce, who emerged from his hitting slump with a home run — his third of the spring — four runs batted in, and two runs scored on the day. Zack Cozart also had a nice day, going 3-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored.

It was a so-so day for the bullpen. Burke Badenhop‘s poor spring continued, as he gave up two runs on three hits in the sixth inning. He was able to limit further damage with an inning-ending double play, however.

Jumbo Diaz made another great case to be included in the Opening Day bullpen, striking out all three batters he faced in the seventh inning.

Closing out the game for the Reds was Tony Cingrani, who had his first hiccup since being moved to the bullpen. After a perfect eighth inning, Cingrani gave up an RBI double to Gerardo Parra in the ninth.

Other Notes:

• Aroldis Chapman was forced to leave the game in the fifth inning after facing just one batter. According to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Chapman left the game due to a hamstring injury and was removed for precautionary reasons. Fay later reported that it may have been a misunderstanding with Chapman and he could return as soon as tomorrow.
• After leaving Sunday’s game with a cramp in his quad and missing two games, Devin Mesoraco is scheduled to play in Wednesday’s game.

Up Next: The Reds take on the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday in Goodyear. A pair of Opening Day starters will face off against one another, as Johnny Cueto will start for the Reds in his final spring start before the start of the regular season and Josh Collmenter will start for the Diamondbacks. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET.

Next: 2015 NL Central Preview: Milwaukee Brewers