Fausto Carmona has second solid performance, Indians rough up Arroyo and beat Reds 8-2

Carmona sharp, Indians beat Reds 8-2

GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Fausto Carmona had his second strong outing of spring training Wednesday night, allowing only a pair of hits over four innings of the Cleveland Indians’ 8-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The right-hander was an All-Star in 2007 and got off to a good start the next season before a strained left hip knocked him out of sync. He fell to 5-12 last season with a 6.32 ERA.

In his last two spring starts, Carmona has made strides toward getting back to his All-Star form. He struck out three in three scoreless innings during his previous start, and was solid again Wednesday. Carmona allowed a first-inning run, then settled in and threw three scoreless innings.

“We’re happy about what we’ve seen so far of Carmona,” manager Manny Acta said. “He went to winter ball and made some adjustments. He moved to the left side of the rubber. That gives him a better opportunity to hit both sides of the plate. So far, he’s done that in spring training.”

Mark Grudzielanek hit a two-run double as the Indians knocked right-hander Bronson Arroyo out of the game with a four-run fourth inning. Arroyo allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk.

Micah Owings pitched three hitless innings, keeping himself in the competition for a spot in Cincinnati’s rotation. Owings gave up two of Cincinnati’s six walks.

“It’s the best Micah has thrown this spring,” manager Dusty Baker said. “We had too many walks. We have to cut down on those walks.”