Gallo continues spring tear for Rangers

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Joey Gallo's two-run home run in the first inning got the Rangers off to a quick start, but the Reds scored a run in the bottom of the ninth inning in a game that ended in a 3-3 tie on Saturday at Goodyear Ballpark.
Gallo's home run, after a single by Ryan Rua, came off of Reds starter Bronson Arroyo and was the third for Gallo this season. He now is now 7-for-19 with six RBIs in his last seven games.
Arroyo, who was making his third start of the spring and second in a Cactus League game, had to leave the game with two outs in the second when catcher Devin Mesoraco, throwing to second on an attempted steal, hit his pitcher in the face. Arroyo came out of the game but sustained only a nasty bruise and finished his throwing back at the Reds complex.
Rangers starter Yu Darvish went 4 2/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits, two walks and two hit batters. He struck out six and one of the runs was unearned because of Minor League second baseman Andy Ibanez's throwing error.
"On the whole it went pretty good today," Darvish said.
Playing in his third game and trying to return from hip and shoulder surgeries, Mesoraco collected his first hit of spring in a 1-for-2 day. He hit a one-out double to left-center field off Darvish in the third inning.
"That was fine," Mesoraco said. "We still have a ways to go here in spring. For myself, I definitely feel rusty but we're getting there."
Reds right-hander Sal Romano pitched in relief but had an impressive outing in his attempt to win a spot in the Reds' rotation. Romano allowed one unearned run in 4 2/3 innings on three hits while striking out three.
"Romano was outstanding," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He did a super job. He attacked the zone with three pitches, he worked ahead, he was quick to the plate. He made a nice fielding play, the whole thing. It was just another in a string of really good, crisp, professional-looking Major League games."
Rangers Up Next: Knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa makes his second start on Sunday against the Mariners at 3:05 p.m. CT in Surprise. Gamboa was supposed to pitch Friday against the Indians in San Antonio but was pushed back to fill Chi Chi González's spot. Gamboa allowed three runs in four innings against the Athletics on March 11. Watch the game on MLB.TV.
Reds Up Next: Top pitching prospect Amir Garrett pitches against the Padres at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sunday in Peoria as he continues his quest to earn a spot in the rotation. Garrett is coming off an impressive outing against the Athletics in which he did not allow a hit in four innings. The only baserunner reached on an error and Garrett struck out three. Watch the game on MLB.TV.
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