Cincy's DeSclafani makes rotation bid with 4 blank innings

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) Anthony DeSclafani threw four scoreless innings for Cincinnati as he competes for a rotation spot, and the Reds lost to the Colorado Rockies 1-0 Saturday.

The favorite to win one of two open starting jobs finished his day by striking out Nick Hundley with the bases loaded.

''He is aggressive. He doesn't mess around,'' Reds manager Bryan Price said. ''He was able to pitch out of trouble.''

The 24-year-old DeSclafani overcame control trouble.

''I put myself in a hole, but ended up working out of it. I don't like walking people,'' DeSclafani said.

Rockies pitcher Jordan Lyles allowed one hit over three innings, striking out three to help his more solid standing with Colorado.

''There were a couple of unnecessary walks, but I was able to get a couple of groundballs,'' Lyles said.

Jay Bruce was hitless in three plate appearances in his first game back after being out most of the week with a strained right calf. The Reds right fielder threw out Brandon Barnes trying to advance to third base on Carlos Gonzalez's second hit.

''My timing is better than I expected,'' Gonzalez said. ''I'm seeing the ball really, really well. One of the things I had in mind is to hit the ball the other way.''

Gonzalez doubled to left in the first inning.

Jason Bourgeois, trying to earn a spot as the Reds' fourth outfielder, left the game after bunting Eugenio Suarez to third in the second inning.

Bourgeois is having his left shoulder examined, Reds trainer Paul Lessard said.

TRAINERS ROOM

Rockies: LHP Jorge De La Rosa has recovered from a tight left groin, suffered early in camp while throwing live batting practice. De La Rosa will pitch in a ''B'' game on Sunday against Arizona.

Reds: OF Billy Hamilton, out since March 6 because of a sore right shoulder, is set to play Sunday. ... C Devin Mesaroco, who sustained a concussion when a foul tip hit him in the mask, has passed all the tests needed for him to return. He is waiting for paperwork to be reviewed by Major League Baseball and the players' union. He could be in the lineup Sunday. ... Homer Bailey threw live batting practice on Saturday. Barring a setback, he will throw one more session, then will be ready for game action.

UP NEXT

Rockies: RHP Kyle Kendrick will start against Kansas City on Sunday.

Reds: Johnny Cueto will make his third start against Travis Wood and the Cubs. RHP Kevin Gregg, RHP Sam LeCure, RHP Jon Moscot and RHP Carlos Contreras will follow Cueto, who is expected to pitch four innings.

STARTING TIME

Rockies: Lyles made 22 starts for Colorado last season. He has pitched well this spring, allowing one earned run in seven innings. He struck out Brandon Phillips twice with a changeup he's been working on.

''I worked on the grip to my change when I came back last year. There will be no more tinkering with it,'' he said.

Reds: DeSclafani has allowed three earned runs in nine innings over three starts.

''I liked that I put up zeroes,' DeSclafani said. ''I felt like I got ahead of the hitters, but they kind of battled. They drew a walk. I want to limit those walks. I don't like walking people. I like to see that kind of stuff in spring. I'm kind of seeing everything in spring and going through it all. I was happy with it.''

POWER OUTAGE

Reds starters have not allowed a home run this spring.