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Reds pound Marlins to open series

Apr 19, 2013 - 6:29 AM Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Todd Frazier hit a two-run home run and the Cincinnati Reds handled the Miami Marlins with ease, 11-1, on Thursday, in the first of a four-game series.

Zach Cozart drove in two runs while Shin-Soo Choo, Xavier Paul, Devin Mesoraco and Chris Heisey had an RBI apiece for the Reds.

Reds starter Tony Cingrani (1-0), who made his major league debut, allowed the lone run on five hits and three walks and had eight strikeouts in five innings.

Justin Ruggiano's solo shot was the lone run for the Marlins, who saw starter Jose Fernandez (0-1) struggle, surrendering five runs on six hits and three walks over four innings.

"It's not going to be the last time," Fernandez said of his bad outing. "I'll just try to get better."

The Reds first got on the board in the third. Choo hit a two-out single and reached third on a Cozart base hit. With Joey Votto batting, Fernandez threw a wild pitch, allowing Choo score.

Ruggiano homered to leadoff the fourth for the Marlins, tying the game 1-1.

Cincinnati tacked on four runs in the fourth. Bruce had a leadoff single and Todd Frazier was walked. Paul singled to right, scoring Bruce. Mesoraco followed with a sacrifice fly to plate Frazier. Two batters later, Choo doubled, bringing Paul home, and RBI single by Cozart capped the scoring for the inning.

The Reds drove in four more runs in the fifth. With the bases loaded, reliever John Maine threw a wild pitch allowing Brandon Phillips to score.

Mesoraco was intentionally walked to load the bases one again and pinch-hitter Chris Heisey scored both Bruce and Frazier. Mesoraco moved to third on the play after a throwing error by Giancarlo Stanton. Back-to-back walks forced Mesoraco across to give the Reds a 9-1 edge.

Bruce was walked with one out in the sixth, setting up Frazier's blast.

Game Notes

The Marlins were 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base ... Stanton recorded two errors ... Frazier has 14 RBI this season, tied with David Wright and Pablo Sandoval for third-most in the National League ... Miami placed infielder Adeiny Hechavarris on the 15-day disabled list with a sore throwing arm and called up infielder Nick Green from Triple-A New Orleans (PCL) ... The Reds optioned pitcher Justin Freeman to Triple-A Louisville (IL) to give Cingrani a roster spot. Cingrani is the first left- handed Reds starter since Dontrelle Willis on Sept. 29, 2011.